wd of country folks? I
wonder how they happened to be here? I doubt if they were invited. It
is a pity we can't keep tiresome nobodies from spoiling our hops here
at the hotel."

A moment later the owner of the voice, a young woman of perhaps twenty
years, had the grace to blush under the battery of five pairs of
indignant eyes that was turned upon her. Miss Jenny Ann, Lillian and
Eleanor looked cold astonishment at the rude speaker. It was plain to
be seen that Phyllis was very angry. To Madge, however, was left the
"retort courteous," and before Miss Jenny Ann could lay a restraining
hand lightly upon her arm, the little captain said in a sweet, clear
voice: "We are so sorry to be thought stupid. It is very unfortunate
that we stepped in your way. As you remarked, we are from the country,
but, at least, we have been taught that courtesy is a most desirable
virtue. Rest assured we would not be here without an invitation. Mrs.
Curtis is our hostess. It is possible you may know her."

Madge's tones were freighted with such unmistakable sarcasm that the
rude young woman was too thoroughly taken aback to reply. She had fully
intended her ill-bred speech to be overheard, but she had not for a
moment imagined that one of these apparently shy newcomers would fling
back an answer. The two young men with whom she had been talking looked
very uncomfortable. There was an instant's strained silence, then the
ill-bred young woman found her voice.

"I did not think you would hear what I said." She turned haughtily to
Madge. "As you did hear me, I suppose I owe you an apology. I am one of
the hostesses here to-night, as my father is an officer at Fortress
Monroe. I know Mrs. Curtis and also her son and daughter."

Madge acknowledged the grudging apology with the merest inclination of
her head. She was too angry to trust her voice. She turned away, and
the little party was about to move on when Tom Curtis hurried to her
side.

"How did you become separated from us?" he asked. "Mother thought you
were directly behind her. Why, good evening, Flora," his eyes happened
to rest on the disagreeable young woman, "you are just in time to meet
Mother's guests."

Tom proceeded to introduce the houseboat party to her. "I am sure you
will be pleased to know Miss Harris," he declared innocently. Then he
presented the two young men respectively as Lieutenant Lawton and Mr.
Thornton.

Miss Harris acknowledged the introduction with far more