"I'm sure there's something the matter," insisted Mabel, when the song "Jingle Bells!" had died away. "Have I done anything to displease you?" she asked, for she had "split" one dance with Charlie Hall.
"No, indeed!" cried Joe, glad that he could put emphasis into his denial. "There's nothing really the matter."
"Unless you're sorry you're going away out to Missouri," persisted the girl.
"Well, I am sorry—that is, if I really have to go," spoke the young ball player sincerely. "Of course it isn't at all certain that I will go."
"Oh, I guess it's certain enough," she said. "And I really hope you do go."
"It's pretty far off," said Joe. "I'll have to make my headquarters in St. Louis."
"Reggie and I expect to be in the West a good part of the coming Summer," went on Mabel, in even tones. "It's barely possible that Reggie may make his business headquarters in St. Louis, for papa's trade is shifting out that way."
"You don't mean it!" cried Joe, and some of his companions in the sleigh wondered at the warmth of his tone.
"Oh, yes, I do," said Mabel. "So I shall see you play now and then; for I'm as ardent a 'fan' as I ever was."
"That's good," returned Joe. "I'm glad I'm going to a major league—that is, if they draft me," he added quickly. "I didn't know you might be out there."