With a mighty effort, Dick caught hold of himself, as it were, and
gazed around with an air of defiance. To his amazement, no one was
paying the least attention to him. Only his fair partner was looking
up into his face with mingled amusement, wonder and admiration written
on her features.

"In California; I think it was year before last," he said glibly.

Amy laughed--"But I never was in California in my life, so you must
be mistaken." Then, as Dick swept the room with another anxious glance:
"What is the matter, Mr. Falkner; are you looking for someone?"

"I was wondering where Charlie Bowen went to," he answered desperately.
"I didn't know but what he would want me to turn the ice-cream freezer
or something."

[Illustration: "Mr. Falkner, I wish to present you to a very dear
friend."]

Miss Goodrich laughed again. "You're the funniest man," she said, and
something in her voice or manner brought Dick to his senses with a jar.

"Well," he said, with a smile, "if I am mistaken I am very sorry, I
assure you."

"About the ice cream?"

"No, about having met you before."