No sooner had they reached her room than he comprehended her trap. But it was too late to retreat. He was forced to make the best of it, submitting to introductions, pretending interest in the child and the tree. Then, inventing a lie, aware always of the laughter behind Dodo's eyes, he drew a ten-dollar bill from his pocket, and addressing Betty, said:
"Miss Baxter was kind enough to let me come up just for the Christmas tree. This is my present; buy anything you want!"
And with a stiff bow, he fled from childish things, cursing his deception, rage and avidity in his heart. Dodo, with shrieks of laughter, threw herself rolling on the bed.
But all at once she rose anxiously.
"Snyder, did he come at twelve? You know whom I mean!"
"Yes, he came!"
"You saw him? What did you say?"
"Told him you'd been in—gone out—didn't know where!" said Snyder in her jerky way.
"Snyder!" she cried furiously. "Did he leave a message?"
"No!"