lieve
that such was the case. Now the tell-tale blush and Eleanor's innuendo,
caused Dorothy to reconsider her earlier judgment.

Polly curled her full red lip at Eleanor's remark, and was about to speak
of something of general interest, when Dorothy unexpectedly asked a (to
her) pertinent question.

"Polly, has anyone ever proposed to you?"

Eleanor laughed softly to herself, and Polly sent poor Dodo a pitying
glance. "Is that little head of yours entirely void of memory, Dodo?"
said she.

Then, without waiting for a reply, Polly continued: "Did not Jimmy
propose to me, as well as to every one of you girls?"

"Oh, but I didn't mean that sort of an affair," explained Dorothy. "I
mean--were you ever in love with anyone who thought he loved _you_?"

"Oh, isn't this a delightful conversation? I wouldn't have missed it for
anything in the world!" laughed Eleanor.

"Nolla," rebuked Polly, seriously, "your head has been so turned since
all those poor fortune-hunters in Europe flattered you, that I fear you
will never succeed in business with me. I shall have to find someone else
who will prove trustworthy and work."

Polly's threat did not appear to disturb Eleanor very much, for she
laughed merrily and retorted: "Dodo, if I answer your question for Polly,
what will you do for me, some day?"

"Nolla, you mind your own affairs!" exclaimed Polly, flushing again.
"Dodo is such a tactless child that she never stops to consider whether
her questions are too personal, or not. But _you_--well, you know better,
and I forbid you to discuss me any further."

"Come, come, girls! This little joke is really going too far, if Polly
feels hurt about it. Let us drop the subject and talk about the dance the
Captain is going to give us tonight," suggested Nancy.

"I'm going to wear the new gown mother got in Paris," announced Dorothy.
"Ma says we can save duty on it if I wear it before it reaches shore."

The other girls laughed, and Eleanor added: "That's a good plan, Dodo. I
guess I will follow your example. I've got so many dutiable things in my
trunks, that I really ought to economise on something."

"Well, I won't wear one of my new dresses tonight for just that reason.
If I want them badly enough, to bring them all the way from Paris where
we get them so much cheaper than on this side, then I'm willing to pay
Uncle Sam his revenue on them," said Polly, loftily.

"Ho! I don't believe it is duty you are saving, as much as i