names, however. "You'll recognize them when you meet them," he assured her.
"There's one we'll call the Social Agitator--she isn't happy unless she is
running things. I believe she spent two weeks once in London--or else she
buys her boots there--anyway, when discussions get lively she squelches
them by saying, 'Of course, my dear, that may be absolutely _au fait_ in
New York--but in London--' It corks them up every time. And 'pon honour,
three quarters of the time she's quite wrong! Then there's the Lady Thug,
Square jaw, square shoulder, sort of bulging out at the top--you know--in
decollete one cannot help thinking 'one more struggle and she'll be free!'"

"Oh, fie, Mr. Sansome," laughed Nan, half shocked.

Sansome rattled on. The ultimate effect was to convey an impression of San
Francisco society--such as existed at all--as stodgy, stupid, pretentious,
unattractive. Nan was immensely amused, but inclined to take it all with a
grain of salt.

"Mrs. Sherwood doesn't bear you out," she told him, "and she's the only one
I've seen yet. I think we're going to have a pretty good time."

But at this point Keith returned. He was quite sobered from his temporary
exhilaration, but still most cordial and enthusiastic over his little
party, Sansome noted with quiet amusement that his light curly hair was
damp. Evidently he had taken his own prescription as to the pump.

"Well," he announced, "I have a room--such as it is. Can't say much for it.
The baggage is all here; nothing missing for a wonder. I've spoken to the
manager about dinner for five." He turned to Nan with brightening interest.
"Guess what I saw on the bill of fare! Grizzly bear steak! Think of that! I
ordered some."