them, tragically sorry; but the sight of their fixed smiles could not
but heighten the sense of her own good luck in having the chance of more
partners than she could accept. Ralph showed at his best that evening,
evincing as much care for his sisters' enjoyment as for that of their
friend. Not until the three programmes were filled to the last extra
did he rest from his efforts, and think of his own pleasure. It is true
that his pleasure consisted chiefly in dancing with Darsie, and their
steps went so well together that she was ready to give him the numbers
for which he asked. As for Dan Vernon, he did not dance, but out of
some mistaken sense of duty, felt it his duty to put in an appearance
and _glower_.

"See old Vernon, glowering over there?" inquired Ralph, laughing, as he
whirled Darsie lightly by to the strains of an inspiriting two-step, and
for a moment a cloud shadowed the gaiety of her spirits. Dan ought
either to dance or stay away! She didn't _like_ to see him looking
glum!

The dancing was carried on until four in the morning, when in the chill
grey light the company were ranged in rows, and photographed, apparently
to provide a demonstration of how elderly and plain even the youngest of
the number could look under such inauspicious circumstances.

The three girls had breakfast in bed the next morning, somewhere about
twelve o'clock--a delightful occasion when all three talked at the same
time, relating thrilling experiences of the night before, comparing
notes, admiring, quizzing, shaking with laughter over a dozen innocent
drolleries. These after-conferences are perhaps the best part of the
festivities of our youth; and Noreen, Ida, and Darsie began that fine
June day as gaily, as happily, as unconscious of coming ill as any three
girls in the land.

Ralph had been anxious that his people should again lunch in his rooms,
but Mrs Percival had prudently decided in favour of a simple meal at
home, and it was approaching tea-time when the party sallied forth to
witness the day's "bumping" on the river. The elders were frankly tired
after their late hours, but the three girls looked fresh as flowers in
their dainty white frocks, and enjoyed to the full the kaleidoscopic
beauty of the scene.

The two Percivals' interest in the bumping was of the slightest
description--Ralph was not taking part this afternoon, and with Ralph
began and ended their concern. They stood on the crowded bank, rather