p with his Gold Medal he's positively unbearable."

All this time Jack had been standing beside Ruth. He had heard the stir
at the door and had seen Holker join Miss Felicia, and while the
talk between the two lasted he had interspersed his talk to Ruth with
accounts of the supper, and Garry's getting the ring, to which was added
the boy's enthusiastic tribute to the architect himself. "The greatest
man I have met yet," he said in his quick, impulsive way. "We don't
have any of them down our way. I never saw one--nobody ever did. Here he
comes with Mr. Grayson. I hope you will like him."

Ruth made a movement as if to start to her feet. To sit still and look
her best and attend to her cups and hot water and tiny wafers was all
right for men like Jack, but not with distinguished men like Mr. Morris.

Morris had his hand on her chair before she could move it back.

"No, my dear young lady--you'll please keep your seat. I've been
watching you from across the room sand you make too pretty a picture as
you are. Tea?--Not a drop."

"Oh, but it is so delicious--and I will give you the very biggest piece
of lemon that is left."

"No--not a drop; and as to lemon--that's rank poison to me. You should
have seen me hobbling around with gout only last week, and all because
somebody at a reception, or tea, or some such plaguey affair, made me
drink a glass of lemonade. Give it to this aged old gentleman--it will
keep him awake. Here, Peter!"

Up to this moment no word had been addressed to Jack, who stood outside
the half circle waiting for some sign of recognition from the great man;
and a little disappointed when none came. He did not know that one of
the great man's failings was his forgetting the names even of those of
his intimate friends--such breaks as "Glad to see you--I remember you
very well, and very pleasantly, and now please tell me your name," being
a common occurrence with the great architect--a failing that everybody
pardoned.

Peter noticed the boy's embarrassment and touched Morris' arm.

"You remember Mr. Breen, don't you, Holker? He was at your supper that
night--and sat next to me."

Morris whirled quickly and held out his hand, all his graciousness in
his manner.

"Yes, certainly. You took the ring to Minott, of course. Very glad to
meet you again--and what did you say his name was, Peter?" This in the
same tone of voice--quite as if Jack were miles away.

"Breen--John Breen," answered Peter, putti