uck up a languorous waltz, and the couples, only too
eager to respond to the invitation, began to turn and glide over the
polished parquet floor.

Not since its master's departure for South Africa had the Traynor
residence been the scene of so much life and gayety. Every window
literally blazed with light. From the front door at the top of the
high stoop down to the edge of the street curb, stretched a canvas
awning to protect arriving guests from the inclemency of the weather.

It was a stormy night. The rain was falling in torrents, but no one
cared. Everybody was out for a good time and they knew that this was
the house to get it.

Helen's first impulse had been to postpone the affair, held really in
celebration of Ray's birthday, until Kenneth's return, but as this idea
had met with decided opposition from the younger element, she had
reluctantly given way. Besides, there was no knowing when Kenneth
would return. Nothing as yet had been heard from him excepting a brief
cablegram announcing his safe arrival at Cape Town, and it was
manifestly unfair to let her own inclinations stand in the way of the
happiness of others. So, after due reflection, she had surrendered
completely, giving Ray _carte blanche_ to make what arrangements she
chose. That young person did not stand on the order of going. She
acted at once and sent out invitations to what proved to be one of the
biggest _soirees dansantes_ of the season. Everything was done on a
most liberal scale. The house was decorated by Herly, three
picturesque fiddlers were obtained from an agency, and Mazzoni, who
provides delicacies for the "400," had charge of the catering.

Everybody who was anybody was invited, all Ray's personal friends
besides a lot of people she did not know so well. A number of Helen's
intimates were there and also some men friends of Mr. Steell and Dick
Reynolds. The girls in their light gowns looked pretty as angels. The
men were handsome, attentive and gallant. Altogether, everyone voted
it one of the most enjoyable social affairs of the year.

Ray had danced her sixth waltz and at last utterly exhausted, unable to
stand any more, she allowed Dick Reynolds to escort her to a sofa.

"Please get me an ice, will you? That's a dear boy," she gasped.

"Will I!" echoed the youth. "What wouldn't I do for you--fire and
water--that's all!"

"As bad as that?" laughed the girl panting. "Please don't be silly.
Go and get me an i