dowager, at once became her own, if only
she could be assured that no girl of her acquaintance owned a set as
costly, and upon all occasions it appeared to be her intention to wear
more jewelry than any other person present.

Later, when all had repaired to the dining-room, Polly's displeasure was
somewhat appeased when she found herself placed beside Peggy's brother,
who was a thoroughly good fellow, and ever a gentleman, therefore he
immediately proceeded to make himself very agreeable to Polly, although
had he been given his choice of a companion he would most surely have
chosen quite a different girl.

Beside Randy sat Jotham who declared himself to be "as happy as a king,"
and his tutor, the young professor, seemed equally charmed beside Helen
Dayton, with whom he was exchanging reminiscences of college days.

"Do you remember a certain girl, Miss Dayton," he asked, "who on a
memorable class day gave the pleasure of her company to a diffident
student who in ecstasy at playing escort to the lovely girl and her
dignified Aunt Marcia, nearly forgot all which he ever knew, managing only
to stammer through an effort at conversation which must have completely
bored her?"

"Pardon me, the girl could not truly have been bored," Miss Dayton
replied, "else it would not be true that to-night she remembers every
event of that delightful day with a pleasure which she has never found
words to describe."

"Is that really true?" he asked, but other voices making a merry din
allowed the answer to be heard only by the one for whom it was intended,
and soon Helen was leading the conversation into channels in which all
might take part, causing the gifted ones to show their sparkling wit, and
coaxing the shy guests to talk, who would otherwise have been silent.

Miss Dayton possessed in a wonderful degree, the ability to help each
person present to appear at his best, with the result that all were made
happy and glad to proclaim that no home boasted as sweet a young hostess
as Helen Dayton, or as grand a mistress as gracious Aunt Marcia, who
dearly loved young people, and who was never happier than when in their
company.

Peggy Atherton, aware that she was becomingly attired in her blue silk and
forget-me-nots, was doing her best to coax a diffident youth to join in
the conversation, and at the same time naughtily enjoying his blushing
answers to her bright speeches.

Randy saw Peggy's roguish eyes, and wondered what it might