At this point the tact and good sense of Miss Susie Sharp caused
her to use her opportunities as hostess to break up the group and
to start some new lines of conversation.

But Susie was uneasy, and presently she found a chance to whisper
to Laura Bentley:

"Tell me, dear---what lies back of the fact that Mr. Dodge does
not seem to be on good terms with Mr. Prescott and Mr. Holmes?"

"Did Bert Dodge know that Dick and Greg were to be here!" asked
Miss Bentley.

"No; I wanted it to be a surprise on both sides."

"It must have been, my dear," smiled Laura "The fact is that Dick
and Greg are not on friendly terms with Mr. Dodge."

"Oh!" murmured Susie, moving away. "I am glad that it was no
worse."

A large tent had been erected on one of the lawns. To this tent,
later in the afternoon, Miss Sharp invited her guests. Here a
collation had been served, with pretty accessories, by a caterer,
and several waiters stood about to serve.

When the guests returned to the house they discovered that the rugs
had been removed, and that an orchestra was now at hand to furnish
music for dancing. Given music and a smooth floor, young people do
not mind exertion on a hot June afternoon. Dancing was at once in