y service, you'll let me know?"

"Certainly," the doctor replied with a frown, "but the whole thing is
settled already. Still, I appreciate your offer."

Stuart was worried. He could not press the matter further. He was sure
from the sensitive tones in which his old friend declined his help that
his dignity was hurt by the offer. He was positive there was a
misunderstanding somewhere. The doctor's optimism had led him into an
embarrassing situation and yet his association with Bivens as his first
employer had surely given him some knowledge of his character.

He hesitated, about to speak, changed his mind, and turned to Harriet.

"You look glorious to-night, little pal! Funny that I never saw you in
evening dress before. You look so tall and queenly, so grown, so
mature. You're beginning to make me feel old, child. I'll be thinking
of you as a grown woman next."

"I am twenty-four, you know," she said, simply.

"I have never believed it until to-night. I wouldn't have known you at
first but for your voice, I had to rub my eyes then."

A warm blush tinged the pink and white of the sensitive face.

"Oh, Jim, I can't tell you how sweet your Southern blarney is to my
heart! I dreamed of a triumph of art. I saw it was impossible before I
sang, and now the pretty things you've said have taken all the sting
out of defeat and I'm happy."

"Then I'm glad, dear."

He paused, leaned close and whispered:

"Won't you let me know when your father has seen Mr. Bivens? If this
conference doesn't go well I may be of some help."

"All right, I'll let you know."

The lights were suddenly turned lower, approaching total darkness. The
attendants noiselessly removed the temporary stage and cleared the
great room for the dancers.

As the chimes struck the hour of midnight, skeleton heads slowly began
to appear peeping from the shadows of the arched ceiling and from every
nook and corner of the huge cornice and pillars. Draperies of filmy
crepe flowing gently in the breeze were lighted by sulphurous-hued
electric rays from the balconies. Tiny electric lights blinked in every
skeleton's sunken eyes and behind each grinning row of teeth.

Again the chatter of fools was suddenly hushed. The orchestra began a
weird piece of music that sent the cold chills rippling down Stuart's
spine. Harriet's hand gripped his.

"Heavens!" she whispered. "Did you ever dream of such a nightmare!"

Suddenly two white figures drew aside the heavy