ng--that cake. The most beautiful cake you ever saw,
Marcia, with a rich, brown crust, and more plums than you ever dreamed of
in a cake before."

CHAPTER XI

"Bobby," said Kitty Hampton one evening as they sat alone together in her
drawing-room, "things are slow, deadly slow. Why do not you do something
to amuse your little cousin?"

"My little cousin has far more amusement than is good for her as it is,"
returned Hayden. "But while you're mentioning this, let me say that I am
anxious to evince some appreciation of all the hospitality you and Mrs.
Habersham and one or two others have shown me; but I don't know just what
to do."

Kitty sat up with a marked accession of interest in her expression and
attitude. "Dear me! There are quantities of things you could do," she
said. "But, Bobby, do get out of the beaten track; try to think of
something original. Of course, it's all nonsense, about feeling under
obligation to any one for so-called hospitality, but there is no reason
why you should not provide some fun. Now, what shall it be?"

"Anything you say," remarked Hayden amiably. "To tell the truth, Kitty,
I've been intending to ask you just what I should do. What can you
suggest?"

"It requires thought." Kitty spoke seriously. "But be assured of this:
I'm not going to suggest any of the same old things. If you want
something really delightful and have a desire to have us truly enjoy
ourselves you must have just a few congenial people. Better make it a
dinner, I think. That is it. A dinner at your apartment," catching
joyously at this idea, "with some original, clever features."

"I thought whatever it was"--Hayden had reddened perceptibly--"I'd like
it to be--a--a--compliment, in a way, to Miss Oldham."

"I do not doubt it." Kitty surveyed him with amused eyes.

"I always think of her in connection with the butterflies she wears so
much. Would it be a possibility to carry the butterfly idea out in some
way?" he asked.

Kitty clapped her hands. She was all animation and enthusiasm now. The
habitual, sulky-little-boy expression had quite vanished from her face.
"Beautiful! Just the idea! You couldn't have thought of a better one. The
butterfly lady has had a great fascination for you, hasn't she, Bobby?"

"Which one?" he asked quickly.

"Which one? Hear that!" His cousin apostrophized space. "Why, I was
thinking of Marcia, of course."

He smiled a little and became momentarily lost in reverie, his c