little cheek, a
fringe of dark eyelashes, and a tangle of fair curls showing against the
pillow. The boy was stretched upon his back, his arms outflung, his head
turned toward the light so that his face was fully visible. If he had
been attractive with his wonderful eyes open, he was even more winsome
with them closed. He looked the picture of the sleeping angel who has
never known contact with earth.

"I thought he would never be done looking," Stephen acknowledged
afterward when he told his exulting wife about the scene. "I was half
frozen, but he acted like a man hypnotized. Finally he looked up at me.
'Gray, you're a rich man,' said he. 'I suppose you know it or you
wouldn't have brought me up here to show me your wealth.' 'I believe I
know it,' said I. 'What does it feel like,' he asked, 'to look at these
and know they're yours?' I told him that that was a thing I couldn't
express. 'Forgive me for asking,' said he. 'No man would want to try to
express it--to another.' I began to like him after that, Rosy--I really
did. The fellow seems to have a heart that hasn't been altogether
spoiled by the sort of life he's lived. On our way upstairs he said
nothing until we were nearly back to the attic. Then he put his hand on
my arm. 'Thank you for taking me, Gray,' he said. I told him you wanted
me to do it. He only gave me a look in answer to that; but I fancy you
would have liked the look, little susceptible girl."

It was Ted who got hold of the guest next. "I hope you're having a good
time, Mr. Kendrick," said the young son of the house, politely. "I've
been so busy myself, dancing with all my girl cousins, I haven't had
time to ask you."

"I've been having the time of my life, Ted. I can't remember when I've
enjoyed anything so much."

"I saw you once with Rob. You're lucky to get her. She hasn't had time
to dance once with me and I'd rather have her than any girl here, she's
so jolly. She always keeps me laughing. You and she didn't seem to be
laughing at all, though."

"Did we look so serious? Perhaps she felt like laughing inside, though,
at my awkward steps."

Ted stared. "Why, you're a bully dancer," he declared. "What girl are
you going to have for the Virginia reel? We always end with that--at
twelve o'clock, you know."

"I haven't a partner, Ted. I wish you'd get me the one I want."

"Tell me who it is and I'll try. We're going down to bring up supper
now, we fellows. Want to help?"

"Of course I d