didn't quite dare!
Then Tommy Baggs came and repeated his customary gymnastics--waltzed on
everybody's toes in the rooms (slipper sellers ought to pay him a
commission), tore two women's gowns nearly off their waists and spilled
champagne frappe down Mrs. Carton's back; would have ruined her bodice,
if she'd had any on, at the back. She bore it like a lamb. Her teeth
were fairly chattering, but she laughed and said it was rather
pleasant.

Good heavens! Who do you suppose is down stairs? Lord ----! It's going
to be a bore if he's coming every day. I shall go down and tell him
these two weeks I am to have a complete holiday.

Do write me all you're doing.

With love always,

HELEN.

_Later_--I have accepted him! He was so perfectly charming! I couldn't
help it!

IV

_From a Guest._

Thursday.

My dear Claire:

I was so glad to hear from you about Florida, and, as you are having
such an amusing time, and as the season here is practically finished
now that the much-talked of Makeway ball is over, I've decided to join
you next week. Besides, I've missed you awfully, and it will be so nice
to be with you again. Will you be so good as to engage my rooms for
me?--a bedroom with two windows facing south; not near the elevator by
any means; not above the third floor--_but not on the first_. Please
see that the coloring is blue or pink; I'm not particular about design
or material, or anything of that sort (I don't think people should be
too _exigeant_)--only yellow, or red, or white, or green rooms are too
awfully unbecoming to me. Have drawing-room to connect with the bedroom
please, and then a room for my maid. I hope you won't have to pay more
than seven dollars a week for her (all included, naturally). She isn't
at all particular. I'm sure I couldn't afford to keep her if she were,
and she's such a treasure. Of course she reads all my letters and minds
my own business more than I do myself, and uses up my crested writing
paper at a terrific rate; but that one expects--don't you think
so--with a _good_ servant?

I know you are mad to hear all about the ball, so I'll tell you. In the
first place it was a great success, and that settles it! The Makeways
are now a power in New York society, and there's really no reason why
they shouldn't be. His family are all right and her English connections
are better; and then what a charming woman she is! She makes a perfect
hostess. Such tact! Everything was carried out