"But, Harry, surely you're going to have something," Mildred insisted. She spoke more loudly than she had intended, and all eyes turned toward her. Poor Harry turned very red and stammered. "But honestly, Mildred, I don't want it," he protested, almost in tears. "I don't know what is the matter with Harry," Mrs. Waters confided to the women around her; "he won't eat a thing, and he's so quiet." "But surely you'll have a piece of chocolate cake," Alice said and she held a plate temptingly before him. But Harry was obdurate. He shook his head, speech had left him minutes before, and looked about him for a means of escape. Janet beckoned to him, and when they saw their chance they slipped into the pantry and took refuge on the back stairs. "Now," Janet said sharply, "tell me what the matter is? I know you're not sick." "Gee, of course I'm not. Can't a fellow refuse food without all this fuss?" Harry complained bitterly. "Some could but not you; come on, tell me what's wrong. If you don't, I'll guess anyway," Janet threatened. Harry eyed her dejectedly. "I suppose you will," he agreed. "Well, it's this then--I heard what your sister said last night when you were coming back from the station about--about--well, about me." Janet thought for a minute and then she laughed. It was not an unkind laugh however, and Harry reluctantly joined in. "Is that why you refused refreshments?" she demanded, and Harry nodded. "And that's what I was doing out at Simpsons too," he added. "I was walking to reduce. I didn't want to ride home, but, gee, she wouldn't let me off--" he stopped abruptly, for some one was pushing open the door. It was Phyllis. "Here you are, you scamps!" she whispered. "I've been looking everywhere for you. Changed your mind about that cake, Harry? I brought you a piece in case you had." Harry looked miserably from the cake in her hand to her laughing eyes, and once more shook his head in refusal. "All right then, I'll eat it." Phyllis broke the large piece in half and handed one piece to Janet. "Here, Jan, you have to help me, and now listen both of you. I've thought of the greatest idea that ever was." She sat down between them on the step, and like Janet, rested her chin in her hand. They looked so much alike that Harry could not help laughing. "What's your idea?" Janet inquired. "Harry, can you keep a secret?" Phyllis demanded. "Sure I can. I'm not a girl," Harry answered defiantly. "Now what do you mean by that?" Phyllis sat up very straight, her eyes bright with a challenge. "Well, you know girls can't keep secrets," he said crossly. "Very well,"--Phyllis dismissed the subject airily and sat munching her cake with evident relish. "Aren't you going to tell us?" Harry asked sheepishly. "No, not you,"--Phyllis smiled at him sweetly and winked roguishly at Janet. Harry got up and opened the door.