So Chicken Little led Katy into the crowded room, unsupported. There was
no hall or entry and they were plunged directly into the thick of the
party. Many of the country lads and lasses were her mates at the
district school and greeted her cordially, eyeing Katy, however, with
frankly curious stares. Mrs. Jenkins relieved her embarrassment by
taking them upstairs to remove their wraps. She introduced herself to
Katy before Jane could get out the little speech of presentation her
mother had urged her not to forget, since Katy, being a stranger, should
be made to feel at home as quickly as possible. Chicken Little hated
introducing people and had been dreading the ordeal, but kindly Mrs.
Jenkins took Katy by the hand and presented her to the whole roomful at
one fell swoop.

"This is Miss Katy Halford, young folks, and I want you all to introduce
yourselves and see that she has a good time or she'll think you are a
lot of green country jays who haven't any manners."

"King William was King James's son" was in full swing. The young folks
made places for the two girls in the ring and promptly drew in Ernest
and Sherm as soon as they entered. The lilting tune was sung lustily
while the supposed victim in the center, a handsome lad of sixteen with
bold, black eyes and dark curls, surveyed the girls, big and little,
with an evident enjoyment of his privileges.

Several of the older boys interrupted their singing to give him advice.

"Take the city girl, Grant, buck up and show your manners." "Bet you
knew who you'd choose before you left home." "Don't let on that you
don't know which girl you want--Mamie's biting her lips already to wash
off that kiss."

The boy returned or ignored this badinage as he saw fit.

Mamie, however, was indignantly protesting that he needn't try to kiss
her. Grant looked in her direction and smiled as the fateful instant
arrived. Indeed, he started toward her, then mischievously whirled
around and seizing Chicken Little, who was whispering to Katy that Grant
was Mamie's beau, kissed her with a resounding smack.

Chicken Little was taken so unawares that she had time neither to blush
nor to protest or struggle, as was considered etiquette on such
occasions. She didn't even try to rub it off, as was also customary. She
just looked at him with such a funny mixture of surprise and dismay that
everybody roared, including Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins and some of the older
neighbors who had come in to see t