eachers, when it's so easy to slide down hill in this
part of New York. But here endeth the sermon, for I recognize the
amiable Pinkie at that other table, where she is studying your face with
the malevolence of a cobra."

Helene slowly turned her eyes toward the other girl, who now advanced
with forced effusiveness.

"Oh, my dear, and you're back again today. But where is dear old
Grimmie; he is a nice old soul, though a trifle near-sighted. He wasn't
half seas over last night--he was a war-zone submarine, out for a
long-distance record!"

She impudently seated herself at the table with them, sending a
questioning glance at the handsome companion of her quondam rival.
Helene instinctively drew back, but a warning glance from Shirley
plunged her into her assumed character, and she greeted the other girl
with the quasi-comradeship of their class.

"Oh, yes, dear. Grimsby was a little poisoned by the salad or something
like that: he was actually disagreeable with me, of all people in the
world. But, I have so many friends that Grimsby does not give me any
worry. He means nothing in my life. You seemed quite worried over him,
though--"

"Yes, girlie," was Pinkie's effort to parry. "I was upset--not because
he was with you, but to see the old chap showing his age. His taste has
deteriorated so much since he started wearing glasses. But why don't you
introduce me to your gentleman friend?"

Helene's faint smile expressed volumes, as she turned toward the
modest Shirley with a bow of condescension. "This is Pinkie, one of old
Grimsby's sweethearts, Mr. Shirley. I'm sure you'll like her."

"Are you Montague Shirley?" demanded the auburn-haired coquette with
sudden interest. As Shirley nodded, she caught his hand with an ardent
glance, ogling him impressively, as she continued: "I've heard a lot of
you. I'm just that pleased to meet you!"

An indefinable resentment crept over Helene. How could this creature
of the demi-monde have even distant acquaintance of such a wholesome,
superior man as her escort? The effusiveness was irritating, and the
overacted kittenishness of the girl made her sick at heart, although
she betrayed no sign of her feeling. Helene could not understand that
despite its mammoth size, New York is relatively provincial in the
club and theatrical community, his acquaintanceship numbering into
the thousands. Town Topics, the social gossipers of the newspapers and
talkative club men bandied names abou