They turned and sauntered toward the town.

“Are you waiting until the end of the dance, Mr. Ralston?”

“No! I promised to meet Jim round about eleven-thirty.”

“Jim!” she repeated. “You and Jim seem to be thick as sweethearts.”

“Thicker!” responded Phil, “because we never fall out.”

“Do sweethearts fall out so often?”

“I fancy so, from what I hear.”

“Then you think two men can be greater friends than a man and a woman can?”

“Greater friends,––truer friends,––more sincere friends and faithful,––yes!”

Eileen’s hold on Phil’s arm loosened.