Walter Wallace had kept his eyes on Mabel, and he muttered something under his breath as he saw the introduction. Then he pushed forward and spoke to her. “Good-evening, Miss Mischief,” said Wallace. “I thought you said you could not come with us to-night?” “I did,” she answered, laughing. “But here you are.” “Mother decided to let me come when she knew Mrs. Porter would be with us.” “It seems to me that your mother is very particular.” “She is. Excuse me. Mr. Hodge was speaking to me.” “Hang Mr. Hodge!” muttered Wallace, under his breath. “I’d like to punch his head!” Mabel chatted with Bart and Frank by turns, scarcely noticing Wallace, who grew more and more angry. Northport Avenue was in fine condition, and that made the ride very pleasant. Hattie Hazle was smitten by the appearance of Diamond, and it was not long before she found an opportunity to ask Dustan why he did not introduce Jack. She did this laughingly, saying it was rather awkward to find herself at times riding beside some one she did not know. Dustan soon found an opportunity to introduce Jack, and Hattie chatted away to the Virginian in her artless way. Jack was polite and courteous, but not in the least effusive. He talked to the pretty girl at his side without giving her more than an occasional glance, which rather piqued her, for she was pretty, and she knew it. She was accustomed to admiration, and the Southerner’s rather distant manner was something new to her. It was plain enough that Diamond was not bashful, and that was what aroused Hattie. Inwardly she resolved to win attention from him. She was a bright girl, and she began to sound Diamond, in order to find out as far as possible what his tastes were. She found he loved flowers, read Thackeray, Scott and Tennyson, admired handsome horses and dogs, and thought Frank Merriwell the finest fellow in the whole wide world. But, although she chatted intelligently of the things Jack liked best, she gave it up and rode forward a bit till she was beside Mabel. “It’s no use,” she laughed, speaking so Mabel alone could hear, “I can’t make an impression on the Virginian. He is bullet proof. Wonder if all Southerners are that way?” “I’ll chance it that he is in love,” laughed Mabel. “He must be!” exclaimed Hattie. “But even if he is, he’s the first fellow I ever saw who wouldn’t flirt a little.” “And he will not flirt at all?” “Not a bit!” “Well, there are others.” “Oh, Mabel!” exclaimed the dark-haired girl. “I thought you signed the pledge never, never to use slang again. Why, since I signed that pledge, slang gives me that tired feeling. I’m dead sore on anything like slang.” And then Hattie wondered why Mabel laughed so merrily. Mabel found an opportunity to ask Frank about Jack. “Hattie says he acts as if he is in love,” laughed the light-haired girl. “Is it true? I know it is by the expression on your face! Oh, do tell us about it!”