“Oh, we must have enough girls,” said Wilfred quickly. “If there was only one, the fellows would get to quarrelling.” “Will Stanny come?” she asked breathless and giggling. “Sure!” “He’s my favorite. He’s so wistful. I always wonder what he’s thinking about when he looks so wistful.” “Maybe his corns hurt,” said Wilfred. This was the line to take with Bella. “Oh, Mr. Pell, you’re so cynical! . . . Who else will you bring?” “Just Stanny and Jasper; the others will be out of town.” “I must ask the two boys from the top floor.” “Oh, them!” said Wilfred. “How about the girls?” “Well, there’s Hattie Putzel,” said Bella. “Her brother’s on’y a bootblack, but you would never know it from her. A real stylish girl. And there are the two Scotch lassies I met in the restaurant where I eat sometimes. Regular little ladies, they are. Name of McElderry.” “That’s four, counting yourself,” said Wilfred, “against five fellows. Must have another girl.” “Well, let me see . . .” said Bella. He waited breathlessly. “There’s that Maud Morrison who used to be my forelady in the shop . . .” Wilfred was obliged to show his hand. “Do you think that Mildred would come?” he suggested offhand. “Now that’s a good idea!” said Bella. “The poor little thing must be having a dull time living at home. A wife who is no wife! I might keep her here with me a couple of days Christmas. I’ll write to-night.” Wilfred started to brush his coat, whistling softly. He was aware that he must be looking exceedingly self-conscious. Fortunately Bella was not perspicacious; her mind was busy with plans. “I’ll get a gallon of Marsala wine from the Eyetalian in Thompson street. You and me can go halves on it. I’ll get the girls to bring sandwiches. Charley works for a commission merchant; he can bring apples . . .” * * * * * Wilfred, Stanny and Jasper, having dined at Ceccina’s, made their way across Washington Square. Stanny and Jasper were calm and anticipatory; Wilfred was tormented by an anxiety that he did not confide in his friends. Up to that morning Mildred had left Bella in doubt as to her coming. Wilfred had staked everything on her. Suppose she did not come? Cinders; ashes; dust! They went into Wilfred’s room to leave their hats and brush their hair. From Bella’s room in the rear extension, came the sounds of a discreet little company. When they entered Wilfred could scarcely bear to raise his eyes to look. Ten people crowded the room to suffocation. Yes! and there she was, sitting in the farthest corner, her lashes sweeping her flower petal cheeks. A great wave of relief and laughter surged in Wilfred’s breast. What a joke that she should look so virginal! You darling! if you knew what I know about you! he thought. He could not meet her eyes.