ds."

Penny politely refrained from comment, but Hanley Cron said coldly, in
a tone which made his meaning very clear:

"Hardly that."

"Acquaintances I should have said," Mrs. Dillon murmured in
embarrassment.

"You will pardon me I hope," Hanley Cron observed aloofly. Turning his
back upon Penny he walked away.

"Oh, my dear, I'm terribly sorry," Mrs. Dillon fluttered. "I'll find
you another partner."

"_Please_ don't," Penny pleaded. "I really have no wish to dance at
all."

"Of course, if that's the way you feel----"

"It is, Mrs. Dillon. I really am enjoying myself just watching the
others."

Penny's statement was not quite true, for she had derived no pleasure
from the party, and the rebuff she had received was quite enough to
make her wish that she had remained at home. However, the reply served
to satisfy the woman and she mercifully moved on to talk with another
guest.

"Hanley Cron is the most ill-mannered man I ever met," Penny thought
indignantly. "I wish Dad would come, then I could go home."

Her eyes smoldered wrathfully as she watched the art critic talking
with a group of people near the refreshment table. She knew it was
silly to allow herself to become annoyed because of his insulting
manner, yet it was quite impossible to dismiss the man from her mind.

Not wishing to even see him again that evening, she arose and explored
the veranda. It was crowded so she came indoors again and wandered
through the rooms adjoining the reception hall. The library was
entirely deserted.

Penny peered with interest at the books which lined the wall cases.
Most of them did not appear to have ever been used. Selecting one at
random she curled herself comfortably in an upholstered chair, sitting
with her back to the door.

"I'll just stay in here for an hour or so and read," she decided. "No
one will miss me."

The book was interesting and when Penny glanced at the little clock on
the table she was surprised to see that it was nearly eleven o'clock.

"Dad should be coming along soon," she told herself. "He'll be
wondering what became of me."

Reluctantly she closed the book. Before she could leave her chair to
put it away she heard voices just outside the library door.

Mrs. Dillon and a feminine guest entered the room. They were talking
in low tones.

"I haven't told a soul except you," Mrs. Dillon declared. "Before I
show you my treasure, you must promise never to reveal my sec