“Oh, that is a high and mighty course that will do better for novels than real life,” disagreed Miss Ida Bishop. “The young men are badly spoiled here, and if we want attention we've got to humor them.” “They shall not be spoiled by me,” declared Adele. “Why,” shrugging her shoulders, contemptuously, “if I had to run after them and bind up their bruises every time they fell down, I'd not appreciate their attentions. Besides, Mr. Tedcastle and his whole ilk actually put me to sleep. What do they talk about? Driving, pet dogs, flowers, candies, theatre-parties, and silly bosh, generally. Last Sunday Senator Hare dined at uncle's, and after dinner he and I were having really a wholesome sort of talk, and I was respecting myself--well, a little like I am now--when in traped 'Teddy' with his hangers-on. Of course, I had to introduce them to the Senator, and I felt like a fool, for he knew they were my 'company,' and it was impossible to keep them quiet. They went on with their baby talk, just as if Senator Hare were being given an intellectual treat. Of course, there are _some_ grown-up men in Atlanta, but they are driven to the clubs by the swarms of little fellows. There comes Major Middleton, one of the old régime. He may ask me to dance with him. Now watch; if he does, I 'll answer him just as I did Mr. Tedcastle, and you shall see how differently he will treat it.” The Major, a handsome man of powerful physique and a great shock of curly, iron-gray hair, approached Adele, and with a low bow held out his hand. “I'm after the next dance, my dear,” he said. “You are one of the very few who ever dance with me, and I don't want to go home without it.” Adele smiled. “I'm very sorry, Major,” she said; “but I hope you 'll excuse me this evening.” “Oh, that's all right, my dear _child_,” he said. “No, don't explain. I know your reasons are all right. Go ahead and enjoy yourself in your own way.” “I won my bet,” Adele laughed. “Major, I knew so well what you would say that I bet on it,” and then she explained the situation. “Tedcastle ought to be spanked,” said the Major, in his high-keyed voice. “A girl who had not rather hear from home than spin around with him ought not to have a home. I'm going to mine rather early tonight. I came only to show the boys how to make my famous Kentucky punch.” When the Major and Miss Ida Bishop had gone and left them together, Adele looked over the railing at the big clock in the office. “We have only a few minutes longer--if you are to take that train,” she said, regretfully. “I never had as little interest in trains in my life,” he said. And he meant it. “Not in the trains on our new road?” she laughed. “They are too far ahead to interfere with my comfort,” he retorted. “This one is a steam nightmare.” “I presume you really could not miss it?” Her long-lashed eyes were down. He hesitated; the simple thought suggested by her thrilled him as he had never been thrilled before.