"Frivolous young person, very," murmured Philip. "Never saw such devotion to the vain follies of life! However, since you're determined to dance, will you honour me with the first one to-night?" "Why, I don't mind, if you don't," said Patty, dimpling at him. "And give me the second," said Kenneth and Roger simultaneously. "I can't do these sums in my head," said Patty; "I'll get all mixed up. Let's wait till we get our dance orders, and fill them up, hit or miss." "You be the miss and I'll try to make a hit," said Philip. "What waggery!" exclaimed Patty, shaking her head. "If you're too clever, Philip, I can't dance with you. When I dance, I keep my mind on my feet, not on my head." "That explains your good dancing," said Mr. Hepworth, laughing. "Perhaps, if I could keep my mind on my feet, I could dance better." "Oh, you're too highminded for such low levels," laughed Patty, while Mona, who was rather practical, said, seriously, "Do you really think about your feet all the time you're dancing, Patty?" "No," returned Patty; "sometimes I have to think about my partner's feet, to keep out of the way of them." When they returned to the drawing-room, they found it had been cleared for the dance, and soon the evening guests began to arrive. Patty again stood by Nan to receive them, and after greeting many people she knew, she was surprised to find herself confronted by a stranger. He was a thick-set, stockily-built man, several years older than most of Patty's friends. He had black hair and eyes and a short black moustache and a round, heavy type of face. His black eyes were of the audacious sort, and he flashed a glance of admiration at Patty. Before she could speak, or even offer her hand, Mona sprang forward, saying, "Patty, this is my friend Mr. Lansing. I took the liberty of inviting him to your dance. Mrs. Fairfield, may I present Mr. Lansing?" Patty was angry. This, of course, must be the man of whom Mr. Galbraith had spoken, and, aside from the fact that he seemed undesirable, Patty felt that Mona had no right to invite him without asking permission from her hostess. But Nan knew nothing of all this, and she cordially greeted the stranger because he was a friend of Mona's. Patty recovered her equilibrium sufficiently to say, "How do you do, Mr. Lansing?" in a non-committal sort of way, but she couldn't refrain from giving Mona a side glance of reproof, to which, however, that young woman paid no attention. In another moment Mona had drifted away, and had taken Mr. Lansing with her. Patty turned to speak to Nan about him, but just then some more guests arrived; and then the dancing began, and Patty had no further opportunity.