The following morning Lucy made her appearance at the Sheldon home with her customary punctuality. “Well, well, it’s a long time since my grandbaby came to see me,” began Mrs. Lockhart kindly as Lucy entered the library where she sat tatting. “It’s been a long time since I was asked,” Lucy answered simply. “Yes, of course,” agreed her grandmother hastily. “I haven’t a home of my own, as you know, Lucy, and can’t always do as I would like to.” Lucy did not reply to this but continued to regard her grandmother expectantly. “You remember what I said yesterday?” resumed Mrs. Lockhart briskly. “Well, we’ve begun to make the arrangements for a little dance in your honor. It’s high time you were introduced to society.” “I don’t know whom you want to introduce me to, Grandmamma. Everybody in town knows me already.” “Oh, you know what I mean, Lucy. You ought to take your place as a young lady, and this is the nicest way to do it.” “Thank you, Grandmamma, but I’d rather not have the dance.” “Stuff and nonsense! I never saw a young girl yet who didn’t love parties and attentions. We’ll consider it all settled then.” “No, we won’t, Grandmamma. I am not going to have a party of any kind.” “Lucy, you’re crazy, my child. Why people will think you’re queer. I’ve already told several people of our plans.” “I don’t dance, Grandmamma.” “What? Well, Nannie must have paid lots of attention to your education! I’ll have a little talk with her. The idea of a young lady who can’t dance! Well, we’ll have a little bridge party then.” “I don’t play bridge, either.” “Don’t play bridge!” Mrs. Lockhart eyed her granddaughter quizzically. “Then we’ll have just an old fashioned party,” she said at length. “Thank you, Grandmamma, but I don’t want the party,” reiterated Lucy. “I really believe you don’t,” admitted Mrs. Lockhart with a grim smile, “but we’ll have it anyway. What night next week shall we decide on?” “I don’t want to seem ungrateful, Grandmamma, but I’m not coming to any party.” Mrs. Lockhart stared at Lucy only to encounter a gaze as firm as her own. “Very well, Lucy,” she said at last in an icy tone. “I had intended to do a great many things for you, but if you want to throw away your chances like this I can do nothing. You evidently don’t want either friends or relations. You must excuse me now as I’m going out.” And Mrs. Lockhart rose and left the room. Lucy made her way through the hall alone and went into the street. * * * * * Thursday evening came and Kingsley Dodd appeared very promptly. The day had been rainy and the remaining clouds were tinged crimson by the setting sun. The windows of the Merwents’ house were open and as the visitor went up the walk he saw Lucy lighting the gas jets in the parlor. She was the only one ready to receive him, for Nannie had not yet completed her careful toilette and Arthur was away from home, being engaged on a legal case out of town.