The girl gave a startled exclamation and grasped Hegner’s arm, saying something in a low tone. Hegner was heard to ask, “Where?” and a whispered conversation followed. Frank was genuinely amused, for he knew they had been speaking of him. A low, musical laugh came from his lips, and he observed: “It is remarkable how really amusing some little occurrences are, Miss Creighton. Did you ever notice it?” The others of the party had not failed to take in the significance of the words they had heard, and it was with no small difficulty that they repressed a hilarious burst of laughter. Indeed the girls were unable to refrain entirely from laughing, and Hodge smiled in a weary, derisive way, saying: “Some people never know how really amusing they are. They go through the world thinking they are having fun with everybody else, and all the while they are making a show of themselves.” Fanny Darling jumped up quickly. “Come, Mr. Hegner,” she said, her voice not quite steady; “I do not care to sit here.” Hegner said something in a growling tone, and they moved away. “It’s too bad,” said Frank; “but we are not to blame. We could not help hearing.” “I don’t know as it’s too bad,” declared Mabel. “They should be careful what they say. I can’t bear Wallace Hegner, and I do not understand what there is about him that interests Fanny. But she is queer, anyway.” “It doesn’t strike me that she is very agreeable,” said Bart. “If she takes a fancy, she can be awfully hateful; but she is good-hearted, and when she likes a person she would do anything in her power for him. It’s too bad she is so freakish.” “She is just saucy enough to be amusing,” declared Frank. “I do not mind it in the least.” “It is evident she does not know of your little bout with Mr. Hegner,” said Hodge. “She thinks he can do you.” “Charlie told me all about it,” put in Mabel, quickly. “I’m so glad, for Wallace Hegner has carried himself with an air that was little short of bullying.” “Perhaps he has learned a lesson,” smiled Bessie. “It will take more than that to teach him a lesson,” Mabel asserted. “What he really needs is a good whipping.” “Well, that is what he is liable to get if he does not let Merry alone,” nodded Bart. A few minutes later Creighton appeared. “Hello, fellows!” he cheerfully called. “I’m glad you are here, and I see you have found the parties who told me to be sure to invite you.” This confused Bessie somewhat, but Mabel immediately confessed that she had told her brother to be sure to invite Frank. Charlie sat down a few moments and talked, and then strolled away, saying he must see that every one was enjoying the evening. CHAPTER XXXIII—A GIRL’S REMORSE During the greater part of the evening Frank and Mabel were together, while Bessie seemed to cling to Hodge, who appeared very well satisfied.