Laura breathed more freely, and ran to greet her friend, who bounced in, smiling and good-natured. Elfie was beautifully gowned in a morning dress, with an over-abundance of trimmings and all the furbelows that generally accompany the extravagant raiment affected by women of her type. Advancing effusively, she exclaimed: "Hello, dearie!" "Hello, Elfie!" said Laura, unable to conceal how genuinely glad she was to see her friend. "It's a bully day out," said Elfie, looking at herself in the mirror. "I've been shopping all morning long; just blew myself until I'm broke, that's all. My goodness, don't you ever get dressed? Listen--talk about cinches! I copped out a gown, all ready made. It fits me like the paper on the wall for thirty-seven and one-half dollars. Looks like it might have cost $200. Anyway, I had them charge $200 on the bill, and I kept the change. There are two or three more down there, and I want you to go down and look them over. Models, you know, being sold out. My--how you look this morning! You've got great black circles round your eyes. I don't blame you for not getting up earlier." Sitting down at the table without noticing Laura further, she rattled on: "That was some party last night! I know you didn't drink a great deal, but gee! what an awful tide Will had on! How do you feel?" Stopping short in her prattle, and looking at her friend, she exclaimed with concern: "What's the matter, are you sick? You look all in. What you want to do is this--put on your duds and go out for an hour. It's a perfectly grand day out. My Gaud! How the sun does shine! Clear and cold. Well, much obliged for the conversation. Don't I get a 'Good-morning,' or a 'How-dy-do,' or a something of that sort?" "I'm tired, Elfie, and blue--terribly blue." The caller rose, and, going up to her friend, said: "Well, now, you just brace up and cut out all that emotional stuff. I came down to take you for a drive. You'd like it; just through the park. Will you go?" "Not this morning, dear; I'm expecting somebody." "A man?" In spite of herself, Laura could not restrain a smile. "No--a gentleman," she corrected. "Same thing. Do I know him?" "I think you do." "Well, don't be so mysterious. Who is he?" Ignoring the question, Laura asked anxiously: "What is your time, Elfie?" The girl looked at her watch. "Five minutes past eleven." "I'm slow," exclaimed Laura. "I didn't know it was so late. Just excuse me, won't you, while I get some clothes on. He may be here any moment." Going to the end of the room, where the heavy _portieres_ separated the parlor from the sitting-room, she called out: "Annie!" "Who is it?" insisted Elfie. "I'll tell you when I get dressed. Make yourself at home, won't you, dear?" "I'd sooner hear," replied Elfie. "What is the scandal, anyway?" "I'll tell you in a moment," laughed Laura; "just as soon as Annie gets through with me."