ered that their odor still remained about him; so he stopped
and carefully turned his pockets inside out, one after the other, but
finding that he still smelled vehemently of the "moth-balls," though not
one remained upon him, he went to his mother's room and sprinkled violet
toilet-water upon his chest and shoulders. He disliked such odors, but
that left by the moth-balls was intolerable, and, laying hands upon a
canister labeled "Hyacinth," he contrived to pour a quantity of scented
powder inside his collar, thence to be distributed by the force of
gravity so far as his dampness permitted.

Lo, William was now ready to go to his party! Moist, wilted, smelling
indeed strangely, he was ready.

But when he reached the foot of the stairs he discovered that there was
one thing more to be done. Indignation seized him, and also a creeping
fear chilled his spine, as he beheld a lurking shape upon the porch,
stealthily moving toward the open door. It was the lowly Clematis, dog
unto Genesis.

William instantly divined the purpose of Clematis. It was debatable
whether Clematis had remained upon the premises after the departure of
Genesis, or had lately returned thither upon some errand of his own,
but one thing was certain, and the manner of Clematis--his attitude,
his every look, his every gesture--made it as clear as day. Clematis
had discovered, by one means or another, the presence of Flopit in the
house, and had determined to see him personally.

Clematis wore his most misleading expression; a stranger would have
thought him shy and easily turned from his purpose--but William was not
deceived. He knew that if Clematis meant to see Flopit, a strong will,
a ready brain, and stern action were needed to thwart him; but at all
costs that meeting must be prevented. Things had been awful enough,
without that!

He was well aware that Clematis could not be driven away, except
temporarily, for nothing was further fixed upon Clematis than his habit
of retiring under pressure, only to return and return again. True, the
door could have been shut in the intruder's face, but he would have
sought other entrance with possible success, or, failing that, would
have awaited in the front yard the dispersal of the guests and Flopit's
consequent emerging. This was a contretemps not to be endured.

The door of the living-room was closed, muffling festal noises and
permitting safe passage through the hall. William cast a hunted look
over hi