"No doubt she likes this better," retorted Ray. "Those very rich people don't do things any better than we--sometimes not so well. Their parties are too stiff and formal." Suddenly Mr. Parker nudged his hostess. "Here comes Mrs. Brewster-Curtis," he said in a stage whisper. "They say her husband's worth ten millions--all made from graft." A handsome woman, blazing with diamonds, came up. Addressing Helen, she exclaimed gushingly: "Oh, Mrs. Traynor, isn't this perfectly delightful? How do you do, Mr. Parker. Do you know I haven't enjoyed myself so much this season. What's the news from your dear husband?" "No news as yet." "Dear me--you poor thing! How interesting--so pretty and husband away. What an opportunity for some of our gay Lotharios!" "They wouldn't have much chance with Helen!" laughed Ray. Mrs. Brewster-Curtis turned, and putting up her gold lorgnon, stared at the unknown young woman who had been so bold to venture to express an opinion. Ray, meantime, was wondering what detained Dick. Here she was famishing with thirst and still no ice. Her partner had disappeared completely. Addressing her hostess Mrs. Brewster said languidly: "Your niece, I believe." "No--my sister," corrected Helen with a smile. It was a mistake often made. "Of course--of course, how silly of me. I might have known that. You look enough alike." "Do you think so?" interrupted Ray hotly. "Helen is far prettier than I." "You are no judge, my dear. You must let the men decide that." "They do," said Ray, "and they all declare in favor of Helen." "Not by the way Mr. Steell dodges [Transcriber's note: dogs?] your footsteps." Looking up she exclaimed: "There he is now." "Oh, Mr. Steell," cried Helen, "don't forget our next waltz." His face all smiles, the lawyer forced his way through the press of people. "Have you seen Dick?" asked Ray. "I sent him to get me an ice." Mr. Steell laughed outright. "Oh, it was you who sent him. If I had known----" "Why?" demanded Ray, opening wide her eyes. "Where is he? I want my ice." "I'll get you an ice, dear," said Helen. "No, let me go," exclaimed Mr. Parker. "No--no one will get the ice but myself," said Mr. Steell. "It's my fault that the ice is not already forthcoming. It is only just that I suffer accordingly." Mr. Parker laughed. "The ice episode threatens to become a diplomatic incident." "Why--whatever is the matter?" smiled Helen. The lawyer was so much amused that he could hardly keep his face straight. With an effort he controlled himself, and said: