, Harry. I thought the reel was to be just before
supper or I would have hunted Miss Kate up."

"So it is," laughed Harry, catching up an empty plate from the serving
table and moving to where the ices were spread. "You ought to know,
for you told her yourself. It is about to begin. They were taking their
partners when I left."

"Then that's MY reel," Willits insisted. "You heard what Miss Kate said,
Harry--that's what I told you too, Mr. Temple," and he turned to St.
George for confirmation.

"Oh, but you are mistaken, Langdon," continued Harry, bending over the
dish. "She said she would decide later on whether to give you the reel
or a schottische--and she has. Miss Kate dances this reel with me."
There was a flash in his eye as he spoke, but he was still the host.

"And I suppose you will want the one after supper too," snapped Willits.
He had edged closer and was now speaking to Harry's bent back.

"Why, certainly, if Miss Kate is willing and wishes it," rejoined Harry
simply, still too intent on having the ice reach his sweetheart at the
earliest possible moment to notice either Willits's condition or his
tone of voice.

Willits sprang forward just as Harry regained his erect position. "No
you won't, sir!" he cried angrily. "I've got some rights here and I'm
going to protect them. I'll ask Miss Kate myself and find out whether I
am to be made a fool of like this," and before St. George could prevent
started for the door.

Harry dropped the plate on the table and blocked the enraged man's exit
with his outstretched arm. He was awake now--wide awake--and to the
cause.

"You'll do nothing of the kind, Langdon--not in your present state. Pull
yourself together, man! Miss Seymour is not accustomed to be spoken of
in that way and you know it. Now don't be foolish--stay here with Uncle
George and the doctor until you cool down. There are the best of reasons
why I should dance the reel with Miss Kate, but I can't explain them
now."

"Neither am I, Mr. Harry Rutter, accustomed to be spoken to in that way
by you or anybody else. I don't care a rap for your explanations. Get
out of my way, or you'll be sorry," and he sprang one side and flung
himself out of the room before Harry could realize the full meaning of
his words.

St. George saw the flash in the boy's eyes, and stretching out his hand
laid it on Harry's arm.

"Steady, my boy! Let him go--Kate will take care of him."

"No! I'll take care of him!--and