ressing condition of sobriety, he enjoyed
himself, for he was playing host to the one woman and the one man for
whom he cared most. He had dreaded meeting Gray, fearing the effect of
an open confession, expecting opposition, but Gray was broad minded, he
was a regular guy. In the relief of this hour, Buddy could have
worshiped him except for the fact that he was too darned nice to
Arline--nobody had the right to show her attentions as marked as his
own--Gray was a man no woman could help loving--

Before long Buddy experienced a new sensation--jealousy. It was mild,
to be sure, but it hurt a little.

Once Miss Montague's suspicions had been allayed, she, too, devoted
herself to having a good time. She rather enjoyed Gray and her sense of
victory over him. She retired to the ladies' room, finally, to powder
her nose, and when she reappeared it was with added animation and with
a new sparkle to her eyes. When next it came the elder man's turn to
dance with her, he caught upon her breath a faint familiar odor, only
half disguised by the peppermint lozenge that was dissolving upon her
tongue, and he smiled. Evidently this charmer maintained herself in a
state of constant preparedness, and her vanity bag hid secrets even
from Buddy.

Where had he seen her? For the hundredth time he asked himself that
question, for amid these hectic surroundings that first haunting
suggestion of familiarity had become more pronounced. But patient
delving into the dark corners of his memory was unavailing, and her
conversation afforded him no clue.

As time passed the young woman made other trips to the dressing room,
returning always with an access of brightness and a stronger breath;
she assumed with Gray a coquetry which Buddy did not like. Buddy,
indeed, strongly disapproved of it, but that only drove her to more
daring lengths. She ventured, at last, to discuss the young millionaire
with his friend.

"He's a dear boy, isn't he? And so innocent."

"He's learning."

"I'll say he is. He has learned a lot from me."

"'Delightful task, to rear the tender thought.' But aren't you afraid
he'll learn, for instance, why you are eating peppermints?"

"Oho!" Gray's petite partner lifted her head and eyed him curiously.
"Do you know why?"

"I have a suspicion," he said, with a smile, "that when a girl
deliberately perfumes her breath it is in preparation for the struggle
in the cab."

Miss Montague laughed unaffectedly. "Say! I could l