in mock wrath. "But, for the present, lead me over that I may
prostrate myself at the feet of the femme."

So Dick stood beside Mrs. Bentley and watched Laura dance with
one of the most popular fellows of the class. As Sennett and
Laura returned to Mrs. Bentley, Cadet Dodge suddenly slipped up
as though from nowhere.

"Miss Bentley," he murmured, bowing before Laura, after having
greeted her mother, "I am presumptuous enough to trust that you
remember me."

"Perfectly, Mr. Dodge," replied Laura in her even tones. "How
do you do?"

She did not offer her hand; within the limits of perfectly good
breeding it was her privilege to withhold it without slight or
offence.

"How have you been since the old High School days?"

"Perfectly well, thank you."

"And you, Mrs. Bentley?" asked Dodge, again bowing before her
mother.

"Very well, thank you, Mr. Dodge," replied Mrs. Bentley, who subtly
took her cue from her daughter.

"Now, Miss Bentley, you are not going to leave a broken heart