is voice had changed and she had
never before seen that look in his eyes. "You need have no fear that I
will trouble you again."

CHAPTER XV

THE CUT DIRECT

A typographical error in one of the papers caused no end of amusement
to every one except Monty and Miss Drew. The headlines had announced
"Magnificent ball to be given Miss Drew by her Finance," and the
"Little Sons of the Rich" wondered why Monty did not see the humor of
it.

"He has too bad an attack to see anything but the lady," said Harrison
one evening when the "Sons" were gathered for an old-time supper party.

"It's always the way," commented the philosophical Bragdon, "When you
lose your heart your sense of humor goes too. Engaged couples couldn't
do such ridiculous stunts if they had the least particle of it left."

"Well, if Monty Brewster is still in love with Miss Drew he takes a
mighty poor way of showing it." "Subway" Smith's remark fell like a
bombshell. The thought had come to every one, but no one had been given
the courage to utter it. For them Brewster's silence on the subject
since the DeMille dinner seemed to have something ominous behind it.

"It's probably only a lovers' quarrel," said Bragdon. But further
comment was cut short by the entrance of Monty himself, and they took
their places at the table.

Before the evening came to an end they were in possession of many
astonishing details in connection with the coming ball. Monty did not
say that it was to be given for Miss Drew and her name was
conspicuously absent from his descriptions. As he unfolded his plans
even the "Little Sons," who were imaginative by instinct and reckless
on principle, could not be quite acquiescent.

"Nopper" Harrison solemnly expressed the opinion that the ball would
cost Brewster at least $125,000. The "Little Sons" looked at one
another in consternation, while Brewster's indifference expressed
itself in an unflattering comment upon his friend's vulgarity. "Good
Lord, Nopper," he added, "you would speculate about the price of gloves
for your wedding."

Harrison resented the taunt. "It would be much less vulgar to do that,
Monty, saving your presence, than to force your millions down every
one's throat."

"Well, they swallow them, I've noticed," retorted Brewster, "as though
they were chocolates."

Pettingill interrupted grandiloquently. "My friends and gentlemen!"

"Which is which?" asked Van Winkle, casually.

But the artist was in the