"Just couldn't get here sooner. But I'll wait for that last dance if it's a month."
The receiving-party was broken up and proceeded to the refreshment room, afterward to go to the ballroom, where were gathered those younger people who were bidden to both reception and dance.
"Remember," said Evans to Helen as they left the East Room, "I shall worry along with existence till the last number on the card. See if you can't run in an extra for my long-suffering benefit. By the way, where is your sister?"
"In bed and cried herself to sleep two hours ago. Poor thing, she wanted to come in and see me shine, but mamma said 'no,' and packed her off to bed on schedule time."
"Now look here," said Evans, "little Miss Katherine is a young lady of vast consequence—and it's a shame she should be treated so: but I think you knew very well I was inquiring for your older sister."
"Oh, Elise?" she laughed. "She had gone across the hall with Captain Howard just before you came in."
Rutledge did not thank her for the information, and Helen regarded him narrowly with amusement.
"Victoria Crosses are not to be resisted, Mr. Rutledge. Heroes always have right of way."
"Do you speak from theory or experience?" asked Rutledge.
"Both," said Helen, as for the first time that night she thought of her husband.