"But I'd like to get a closer look
at Dan's latest."
So Dave led his sweetheart into Wiegard's. In order to get a
seat at a table it was necessary to pass the table at which Dan
and his handsome friend were seated. As Dalzell's back was toward
the door he did not espy his friends until they were about to pass.
"Why, hello, Darry!" cried Dan, rising eagerly, though his cheeks
flushed a bit. "How do you do, Miss Meade? Miss Henshaw, may
I present my friends? Miss Meade and Mr. Darrin."
The introduction was pleasantly acknowledged all around. Miss
Henshaw proved wholly well-bred and at ease.
"Won't you join us here?" asked Dalzell, trying hard to conceal
the fact that he didn't want any third and fourth parties.
"I know you'll excuse us," answered Dave, bowing, "and I feel
certain that I am running counter to Miss Meade's wishes. But
I have so little opportunity to talk to her that I'm going to
beg you to excuse us. I'm going to be selfish and entice Miss
Meade away to the furthest corner."
That other table was so far away that Dave and Belle could converse
in low tones without the least danger of being overheard. There
were, at that time, no other patrons in the place.
"Well, Belle, what do you think of the lady, now that you've seen
her?"
"You've named her," replied Belle quietly. "Dan's new friend
is beyond any doubt a lady."
"Then Dan is safe, at last."
"I'm not so sure of that," Belle answered.
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