“She and Marj went upstairs for their powder boxes,” she replied. “They’ll be here in a minute. But can’t you find another partner?”
“Where could I find another such partner?” he replied, relinquishing his claim upon Florence to Cryton.
Retiring into the hall, he impatiently awaited Daisy’s return. But three dances were over before she put in an appearance, and then she came reluctantly.
“Daisy!” he cried suddenly, as the girls descended the wide stairway. “I’m simply dying to dance!” The girl dropped her eyes as she came towards him, and Marjorie explained briefly that her companion had a headache. Then she vanished through the doorway, leaving the couple together.
“Something has happened!” exclaimed McDaniel anxiously. “Tell me, Daisy! The girls all seemed to be worked up.”
“Come out here on the porch,” murmured the girl, “and I’ll tell you all about it. Flos and I are in disgrace!”
“In disgrace!” he faltered. “But—but—why?” Daisy waited until they were seated before she began her story. She related it just as Miss Vaughn had presented it, but as she spoke her voice shook with emotion, and before she had concluded she was again on the verge of tears.
“You know that it isn’t true, Clyde!” she wailed. “Can’t you do something?”
“Of course I’ll try!” replied the young man angrily. “The very idea of their bringing such an accusation! But—as you say—I’m afraid they won’t believe me.”
Daisy looked up through her tears into McDaniel’s eyes, but somehow they seemed to lack assurance. Was it possible that he would not come to her aid?