A shadow crossed her face and she gazed into his eyes. "You don't mind my doing that, do you, Bill?" she asked. There was a pause for a moment. Bill shifted awkwardly from side to side as he stood up. "No, I guess I don't," he said. Mrs. Jones walked toward the dining-room, pausing half-way across the room. "Bill," she said, glancing down at the floor, "would you kiss me?" Bill gaped at her in surprise. "Yes," he said, slowly walking to her. Mrs. Jones saw his hesitation, and, realizing the humor of the situation, laughed heartily. "Oh, never mind, Bill! You can kiss me later." "Now, mother, I was going to." He grinned and followed her to the door, but she was through it before he could reach her. He stood still and was about to reopen the door when Marvin burst in, out of breath, but a new radiance in his eyes. "Why, John," Bill remarked, "I thought you were going over to the cabin!" "Well, I was," said Marvin. "But I heard about Lem and Mrs. Davis being married, and I knew that everybody would be over there having a good time. I didn't mean to be out of it. Where's your wife?" "Oh, she's all right. She's cooking supper," Bill replied. Marvin hesitated a moment. He went to a window and looked out; then he came back, putting his arm through Bill's. "Is Millie--?" He could get no farther, for Bill interrupted him. "Oh yes, she's waiting for you. She's afraid you're not going to forgive her." "Well, I think I can convince her of my forgiveness," said Marvin. Delving into his pocket Bill brought forth the ring. "When you see her just give her this," he said. Marvin smiled. "Now I know why you borrowed that two dollars this afternoon!" "Sure! You can find her. She's around some place. After you give it to her come in to the party." "What party?" Bill nodded toward the dining-room door. "Lem and his wife are giving a party and we want you to come. But you can't come until you get Millie," said Bill. Marvin turned and walked toward the stairs, wondering where Millie was. His thought brought his wish, for she parted the curtains and came slowly down. She stopped when she saw him, but there was a look in his eyes that she could not mistake and her heart was beating as it had not done for many months, ever since she and Marvin had walked on the shores of Lake Tahoe many months ago. "Daddy has told you what I should say to you, hasn't he?" she asked, coming slowly down the stairs. Marvin went half-way up. "What is it?" he asked. "Well, I have made a fool of myself and I am ashamed of myself and I beg you to forgive me!" Pausing on the stairs, she lowered her eyes, coloring deeply. Marvin could not help laughing, and there was a dimple of amusement in Millie's cheek. He put an arm around her and led her down into the lobby.