_Burl._ Well, I suppose I shall have to. But, Steve, I haven't time to dress for this thing to-night. _Hud._ Nonsense. You have plenty of time to dress. How long does that operation generally take you? _Burl._ Three quarters of an hour to dress, and an hour and three quarters to tie my cravat. I think I shall have to get one of those nice store cravats that come all tied, and strap on with a buckle. _Hud._ Yes, get a pretty satin one with pink rose-buds on it. Oh, I shouldn't be surprised to see you turn up in anything. [_Putting on hat and overcoat._] I tell you what it is, Ned, if you continue to shun all feminine society you will soon become an unmitigated boor. _Burl._ I am at college, thanks, and prefer it. I shall have plenty of time to take up feminine society, as you call it, after I graduate. _Hud._ You will be a cub, and society won't take _you_ up. Now, old man, it is awfully good of you to come in on my account to-night, so don't back out,--and make yourself look as much like a gentleman as you can. Come in as early as possible. [_Exit Hudson._] _Burl._ [_sol._]. Why the deuce does a fellow want to go chasing into Boston, when he has only four years of this sort of thing. Steve does not half appreciate college. However, I suppose if his family [_Taking photograph from table_] is going to be there, I ought to go in. It is only decent. [_To photograph._] So, Miss Hudson, you and I are going to meet, eh? Oh, what a fool you will think me! Now, if I could only look at you without trying to talk. Steve is right, though; I ought to cure myself of this fool shyness and awkwardness before the other sex, or I deserve to be called an ill-bred cub. [_Knock at hall door._] Come in! [_Puts down photograph hastily._] [_Enter Jack Randolph in long coat and rubber boots._] _Randolph._ Hullo, Ned! Did I leave my umbrella in here the other day? _Burl._ It is a pretty good one, isn't it? No, I guess I haven't seen it. _Rand._ [_Taking a cross-handled umbrella from beside fireplace._] Lucky you haven't. _Burl._ Oh, while I think of it, here is that X I owe you [_pulling bill out of pocket_]. _Rand._ Good man! Marvellous memory! Remembered the wrong end of a debt. I am glad you did, for I am devilish hard up just at present. [_Taking cigar from mantel-piece._] _Burl._ So is everybody at this time of year. This is a great sacrifice on my part. _Rand._ Don't give it to me now. Keep it until to-morrow, won't you? [_Lights cigar._] _Burl._ Better take it while you can get it. I shall have spent it next time we meet. Why don't you want it now? _Rand._ Well, I will take it, just to relieve you. I haven't anything on but this ulster, which is not a good thing to put money in. You see, I am going round to a dress rehearsal at the Pudding. _Burl._ Oh, that is why you are all bundled up on this clear night. Let us see your dress. _Rand._ No, you will see it soon enough at the show to-morrow night. Where is Steve?