s."

So Albert, as he shook hands with Miss Fosdick, regarded her with
unusual interest. And, judging by the way in which she looked at him,
she too was interested. After some minutes of the usual conventional
summer-time chat the young gentleman suggested that they adjourn to the
drug store for refreshments. The invitation was accepted, the vivacious
Miss Kelsey acting as spokesman--or spokeswoman--in the matter.

"I think you must be a mind-reader, Mr. Speranza," she declared. "I am
dying for a sundae and I have just discovered that I haven't my purse
or a penny with me. I should have been reduced to the humiliation of
borrowing from Madeline here, or asking that deaf old Burgess man to
trust me until to-morrow. And he is so frightfully deaf," she added in
explanation, "that when I asked him the last time he made me repeat it
until I thought I should die of shame, or exhaustion, one or the other.
Every time I shouted he would say 'Hey?' and I was obliged to shout
again. Of course, the place was crowded, and--Oh, well, I don't like
to even think about it. Bless you, bless you, Albert Speranza! And do
please let's hurry!"

When they entered the drug store--it also sold, according to its sign,
"Cigars, soda, ice-cream, patent medicines, candy, knick-knacks, chewing
gum, souvenirs and notions"--the sextette of which Helen Kendall made
one was just leaving. She nodded pleasantly to Albert and he nodded in
return, but Ed Raymond's careless bow he did not choose to see. He had
hitherto rather liked that young gentleman; now he felt a sudden but
violent detestation for him.

Sundaes pleasant to the palate and disastrous to all but youthful
digestions were ordered. Albert's had a slight flavor of gall and
wormwood, but he endeavored to counterbalance this by the sweetness
derived from the society of Jane Kelsey and her friend. His conversation
was particularly brilliant and sparkling that evening. Jane laughed much
and chatted more. Miss Fosdick was quieter, but she, too, appeared to be
enjoying herself. Jane demanded to know how the poems were developing.
She begged him to have an inspiration now--"Do, PLEASE, so that Madeline
and I can see you." It seemed to be her idea that having an inspiration
was similar to having a fit. Miss Fosdick laughed at this, but she
declared that she adored poetry and specified certain poems which were
objects of her especial adoration. The conversation thereafter became
what Miss Kelsey des