Viola’s laugh rang out hysterically.

“Capital! How clever you are, Mr. Maxwell!”

“Then you like the idea of my little coup d’état?”

“Immensely!” she cried, recklessly. “But a man will be necessary to our success. Where shall we find him?”

Was it a daring challenge that rang in her voice?

His heart leaped wildly against her arm, and then he asked, in a thick, agitated voice:

“How would young George Merrington suit you, Miss Van Lew?”

“Why, he is only a lovesick boy! Besides, I could not go and ask him to marry me! I have been refused by two men already tonight, and am discouraged with my luck!” Viola answered, petulantly.

There was silence between them for a few minutes; then he murmured, low and hesitatingly:

“There are others, Miss Van Lew.”