here, where Derry's voice spoke to her, where Derry's
smile warmed her, where Derry, a silver-crested knight, knelt at her
feet.

Julia came in to say that Miss Jean was wanted at the telephone.

Miraculously Derry's voice came over the wire. Was she going to the
dance at the Willard? The one for the benefit of the Eye and Ear
Hospital? The President and his wife would be there--the only ball
they had attended this season--everybody would be there. Could he come
for Jean and her father? And he'd bring Drusilla and Marion Gray. She
knew Drusilla?

Jean on tiptoe. Oh, yes. But she was not sure about her father.

"But you--you--?"

"I'll ask."

She flew on winged feet and explained excitedly.

"Tonight? _Tonight_, Jean?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"But what time is it?"

"Only ten. He'll come at eleven--"

"But you can't leave Emily alone, dear."

"Emily won't mind--darling--will you, Emily?"

"Of course not. I am often alone."

It was said quietly, without bitterness, but Dr. McKenzie was quite
suddenly and unreasonably moved by the thought of all that Emily had
missed. He felt it utterly unfair that she should sit alone by an
empty hearth while he and Jean frivolled. He had never thought of
Hilda by an empty hearth--and she had been often alone--but there was
this which made the difference, he would not have asked Hilda to meet
his daughter's friends. She had her place in his household, but it was
not the place which Emily filled.

Yet he missed her. He missed her blond picturesqueness at the dinner
table, her trim whiteness as she served him in his office.

He came back to the question of Emily. "You can tell Drake we will go,
if Emily can accompany us."

"But, Doctor, I'd rather not."

"Why not?"

"I'm not included in the invitation."

"Don't be self-conscious."

"And I haven't anything to wear."

"You never looked better than you do at this moment. And Jean can get
you that scarf of her mother's with the jet and spangles."

"The peacocky one--oh, yes, Daddy." Jean danced back to the telephone.

Derry was delighted to include Miss Bridges. "Bring a dozen if you
wish."

"I don't want a dozen. I want just Daddy and Emily."

"And me?"

"Of course--silly--"

Laughter singing along the wire. "May I come now?"

"I have to change my dress."

"In an hour, then?"

"Yes."

"I can't really believe that we are going together!"

"Together--"

CHAPTER X

A MAN WITH M