st you will find her very entertaining, Mr. Thornton."

"I am sure I shall," said Tom. "We have seen each other, you know, but
have not been introduced."

"And she is very particular about that. Being bred in the country, she
is not fully conversant with the ways of the world, but she knows an
introduction is the proper thing, and she insists on that. There she
is."

"Miss Darling" was seen chatting with a number of young gentlemen and
ladies who had gathered about her.

The group scattered as Winnie and Tom came up. "Miss Darling" saw them,
and timidly held her fan before her face, peering over it shyly.

"Mr. Thornton," laughed Winnie Lee, "it gives me the greatest pleasure
to introduce you to Miss Darling."

Tom bowed profoundly, while the girl giggled, and made a courtesy.
Winnie Lee laughed more than ever.

At a distance Frank Merriwell and Jack Diamond were watching.

"Will you see Winnie Lee!" softly exclaimed Merriwell. "She is nearly
exploding with laughter. She can't hold it. It will be a miracle if
Thornton does not tumble."

"All the others are laughing," said Jack. "They had to get away when
Thornton was introduced. He will be crazy when he finds out how he has
been fooled."

Frank was laughing.

"Oh, yes; he'll tear his hair. The story is bound to circulate. Don't
give him too much time with Griswold before you get in your work and
challenge him. Horner is in the game, and he has agreed to help it
along."

"Thornton will murder Horner."

"It will be remarkable if they do not suddenly cease to room together."

"Have you brought the pistols?"

"You bet! Everything is ready. Willis Paulding must be involved. We must
soak him, as well as Thornton. There go Thornton and his mash toward
the cozy corner. You must intrude before it becomes too warm for
Griswold, or he is liable to give the whole snap away."

In the meantime Thornton had expressed his delight at meeting his
charmer again, and had led her away to the very cozy corner in which he
had seen her chatting so vivaciously with Jack Diamond.

Once in the corner the girl ensconced herself in the shadow of the
portieres, and, for the first time, the fan dropped from her face.

"This is charming," declared Thornton, in his most fascinating manner.
"Ever since I first saw you I have dreamed of an occasion like this,
Miss Darling."

The girl giggled.

"Oh, you are such a flatterer, Mr. Thornton!" she returned, leaning
toward him.

"N