Carolyn Houghton, who was, as Jeff had said, a "jolly girl
to know." Herself a blooming maid with black locks and carnation cheeks,
Carolyn admired intensely Evelyn's auburn hair and fair complexion.

"Don't you think she's the dearest thing?" she whispered to a friend, as
they descended the stairs. "There's something so soft and sweet and
ladylike about her, as if nobody could be slangy or loud before her, you
know. Yet she isn't a bit dull; she just _sparkles_ when you get her
interested and happy. I do want her to have a good time to-night."

There could be no doubt that Evelyn was having a good time. Everything
pleased her, everybody interested her. It seemed to her that she had
never seen such charming young people before.

The little play made her laugh till she was as flushed and gay as a
child. Those with whom Evelyn showed herself so delighted became equally
delighted with her, and before the evening was over she was feeling that
she had always known these young friends, had forgotten that she had
ever been an invalid, and was indeed "sparkling," as Carolyn Houghton
had said, in a way that drew all eyes toward her in admiration.

Jeff, indeed, stared at her as if he had never seen her before.

"I'm sure this isn't hurting you a bit," he said in her ear, as the
evening slipped on. "You must be feeling pretty well, for I've never
seen you so jolly. I'm going to do the prescribing after this. I know
what's good for little girls."

"I believe you do," Evelyn answered. "No, I'm not a bit tired. Why, is
it almost eleven?"

"Yes, and time to go, if we live up to our promises. Seems a pity,
doesn't it? But it doesn't pay to break your word, so as soon as you
girls can get into your toggery we'll be off."

"Of course, we must keep our promise," agreed Evelyn, with decision, and
straightway she went up-stairs for her wraps. The other girls followed
more reluctantly.

"'Goodness, girls, look out!" cried somebody from the window. "Did you
ever see it so thick? The barns are just down there, where that glimmer
is, but you can't see them at all."

"All the more fun," said another girl.

"We're pretty far out in the country, and the road's awfully winding. I
hope we get home all right."

"Oh, nonsense!" said some one else, with great positiveness. "I should
know the way with my eyes shut. Besides, it was as clear as a bell when
we came. It can't have been snowing long enough to block things in the
least."

Th