the swift remembrance of that futile search
for health that had led the gentle Mrs. Carson to her grave in far-away
Florence. She caught his hand under the table in a quick squeeze,
while Elinor hurried into comparisons that claimed Judith's and Tom's
close attention.

"I'm a horrid pig to forget," she whispered contritely. "Don't be
cross, Frad dear; you know how sorry I am."

David gave an answering squeeze that brought the tears to her eyes, as
he whispered in return, "That's all right, old lady. Don't you fret
about me."

He dropped her hand at the obsequious voice of the waiter at his elbow.

"Do you wish to order, sir?"

After the man had gone, Patricia, who had flushed, suddenly giggled.
"Did you see him looking at us, Frad?" she asked, in an undertone. "He
thought he'd caught us holding hands, like regular grown-up spoons!"

"Stuff and nonsense!" growled David, hotly. "He'd know better than
that."

Nevertheless, in spite of his protest, David took great care to behave
with the utmost frigidity to Patricia whenever the smiling waiter made
his appearance, and instead lavished his care on Judith, who took on
airs of importance that were delightful to behold.

"We caught our first view of Bruce Haydon here--remember, Norn?" said
Patricia, happily consuming her entree. "Wouldn't it be fun if we'd
run across someone else this time?"

"I don't think so," said David resolutely. "We haven't such a lot of
time to be together that we need anyone else butting in. I'm satisfied
as we are."

"You must have had a thought wave, Miss Patricia," said Tom Hughes.
"The unexpected friend is here all right."

The girls swept a puzzled glance around the room, but could discern no
familiar face among the gay groups at the many little tables. David,
however, gave an exclamation, and half rose in his chair.

"Sure enough, Tommy. It's Hilton to the very life. Don't you see him,
Pat, coming in with that head waiter? Do you mind if we ask him to
join us, Elinor? He's coming right this way. He's English Lit., and a
dandy fellow, if he is a teacher."

Elinor gave a hasty assent, but Patricia was ardent.

"Oh, do ask him, David," she urged, taking in the attractive athletic
figure with its wholesome self-reliant air. "He looks awfully nice."

"He's all of that. He's the youngest professor in the school and no
end a good fellow," supplemented Tom Hughes, heartily.

David half rose again, and signaled to attra