"How do you do, Ethel?" Gay said, shaking Ethel's hand warmly. "Do—ah—do—you play ball?"
"No," answered astonished Ethel. "But my brother Ned does."
"Does he? When is he coming?" asked Gay, eagerly.
"He is not coming to-day; only girls are invited, you know."
"Only girls! phew!" exclaimed Gay. Then realizing that this was scarcely courteous, he added, "How beautiful!"
"Yes, you seem to think so," laughed Ethel, as she moved away.
"This is Mabel Bryant."
"I'm glad to see you, Mabel," said Gay. "What shall I say to her?" he thought. "Have you"—he jerked out,—"have you been in swimming much this summer?"
Mabel stared. "No," she said, rather primly.