“Hello,” replied Kendall apathetically. “Where’s the party?” “Party? Oh, you refer to my chaste get-up.” The Duke viewed his apparel approvingly. “Some togs, what?” He seated himself beside Kendall. “There’s no party, Sir Knight. I have merely dressed myself according to my mood. My mood to-day is one of triumph and joy. Where’s Gerald?” “Home,” replied Kendall moodily. “He’s a lucky chap to have a home around the corner. Be it never so humble there’s no place like home. What’s the matter with you to-day? Got the dumps?” “N-no.” “Meaning ye-es? Perk up! Observe the cerulean sky and the waving tree tops, the bright sun and the――the――――” “It’s a beast of a day.” “_What?_ It’s a wonderful day! What do you want? Rain? Snow? Hail? Well, if the things I’ve mentioned don’t cheer you, look at my shirt! That ought to drive away any case of blues!” “It looks sort of pink,” said Kendall, smiling with an effort. “_Sort_ of pink! Sort of _pink_! Man alive, it’s the quintessence of pink! It’s the pinkest thing that ever happened. That’s why I bought it. Got it cheap, too. They’d had it in the store for years and years. No one would buy it. No one had the courage to. But pink suits me, you know. Goes well with my shell-tint complexion.” “But why the green tie?” “A happy conceit of mine own, O Youth of the Festive Toe! I am impersonating a carnation. The dash of green represents the leaves. Get me? Pretty thought, what?” “Very. And the rest of the――the things? Blue socks――――” “Contrast, dear boy, contrast! Also variety. Also gladness and joy and triumph. Come on!” The Duke jumped up gayly. “Where?” asked Kendall with no enthusiasm. “Where? Anywhere! Who knows? Let us start out in search of adventure. This is no day to mope and pine. I am consumed by a desire to start something!” “You started something yesterday, didn’t you? How did you come out? Did Collins get after you?” “Oh, that?” The Duke smiled carelessly and brushed an imaginary speck from his sleeve. “That is too trifling to speak of.” “What did he say?” “Say? What was there he could say? I had merely to explain the circumstances to him, Burtis. After all, he is reasonable――for a faculty. Or mayhap I spoke convincingly. In any case”――The Duke waved a hand magnificently――“we parted with sentiments of mutual respect and esteem. If you will join me in a stroll toward yon purling stream I will regale your ears with a brief narration of the event.” “All right.” Kendall pulled himself up with a sigh and they moved on. “We met by appointment,” continued The Duke gayly. “Collins made the appointment. In his study. He suggested eight o’clock as a time convenient to him and, as I am noted for my good nature, I agreed. Also, as I have ever held punctuality to be the soul of wit or the thief of time or the shortest way home or something――I forget the exact quotation――I was there on the stroke.” “I’ll bet you were!” agreed Kendall grimly. The Duke smiled.