One evening, therefore, the four, now good friends, met at one of the new unique cabarets, and having enjoyed dinner and the dancing, they spoke of Mrs. Courtney's idea of taking a trip to the South Sea Isles. Mr. Dalken laughed immoderately at the mention of the place selected for a pleasure trip. "Now I am truly sorry you have set your hearts on going to the South Seas, for I had been secretly planning a little jaunt on my own account. One reason I bought that sea-going yacht was to have my best friends take short voyages with me, whenever we could get away from business. "I find that I must try to break away from New York in early Spring, and the doctor says a sea-voyage is the best vacation I can possibly take. Hence I wanted to have my two girls with me. If you are planning to go to the South Seas I suppose it will be out of the question for you to go to the Orient, on _my_ planned trip?" As Mr. Dalken paused to watch the effect of this speech, both the girls "Oh'ed and Ah'ed" and glanced at Mrs. Courtney. She said nothing and her face was a blank so no one could read her mind. "I had jotted down a list of names of sociable spirits, such as the Fabians, the Ashbys, the Alexanders, the Brewsters, the Maynards, the Latimers, the Evans, the Stewarts, and Mrs. Courtney with Jack Baxter to look after her in lieu of other escort. It may be impossible for all members in the families I mention to continue with us on the voyage, but they can accompany us part way and then come back home. I planned to go via the Panama Canal, and thus on to Hawaii, touching there for a short visit to the Islands, and those of our party who must return to the States, can get back by steamer to California and thence to their respective homes. We will sail on to the land of cherry blossoms and pigtails. But you girls with one short sentence blast all these cherished dreams." "Oh, no, Dalky! We wouldn't change your plans for the world!" exclaimed Polly, anxiously. "You see, the South Sea Isles will wait until we can get there, but you and your plans are apt to change--as the railroad guides read--without notice at any time!" A laugh followed Polly's remark, and Mr. Dalken added, "Well just mull over this project for a time and give me your individual opinions about it. Of course, we would be crowded if everyone in the families mentioned were to accept my invitation and take the round trip; but I feel quite safe in inviting all because I am sure I can bank on certain ones refusing to go." "I don't believe you could tear father or mother away from Pebbly Pit," remarked Polly, wistfully. "And I know for certain that mother and Bob wouldn't give up their summer season at a fashionable resort, just to join a party of old-fashioned sea-farers," laughed Eleanor. "Do you think you could persuade your father to join us?" asked Mr. Dalken. "I bet he would go as far as Honolulu, anyway!" said Eleanor. "That's one for certain to start with!" laughed Mr. Dalken.