“Such an extreme measure was not necessary,” retorted Tom stiffly. “An answer to my message would have been sufficient.” “I never received any message from you.” “What! Why, I told your brother to ask you to telephone when I could call and see you?” “He never told me--only mentioned you were to dine with us tonight----” “That’s the limit!” Tom banged his sword-hilt with his fist. “Not getting any reply from you I jumped to the conclusion you were tired of seeing me.” “For a soldier you’re mighty easily discouraged,” taunted Janet, her spirits rising as the misgivings and doubts of the past few days gave way before Tom’s explanations. “Never again,” vowed Tom. “Next time I’ll storm the citadel. But joking aside,” dropping his bantering tone. “I did try to see you; called several times, telephoned--but you were always out. I finally decided it was intentional; thought you wanted to drop me.” “How could you be so unjust!” Janet’s reproachful look caused Tom’s heart to beat more rapidly under his blue uniform. “I am always loyal to my friends. You won’t back out of dining with us tomorrow night?” “What a way to put it?” Tom made a slight grimace. “Of course, I’m coming, and I’ll count the hours until then.” “The day after Christmas I waited in for you the whole afternoon and evening, and you never came,” continued Janet plaintively. “I couldn’t get away from Myer that afternoon, and had to wait until Friday before going to Hyattsville to redeem your bracelet. By the way that bracelet is very beautiful,” lowering his voice. “The emeralds and diamonds are exceptionally fine, and the workmanship exquisite.” “I am so glad your taste coincides with mine,” said Janet, with a quick coquettish glance upward. “I couldn’t bear to lose the bracelet; it is so unique.” Tom stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Have you ever seen another bracelet like it?” he questioned at length. A keen glance accompanied the words, but Janet was watching the distant dancers, and her expression conveyed nothing to him. “N--no, I don’t believe I have,” she replied slowly, and Tom’s heart sank. “It’s unusual appearance is one of its beauties to me. Have you my bracelet with you?” “Have I?” in profound astonishment. “No,” then seeing her disappointed look, he asked sharply, “Why should you expect me to have your bracelet?” “Who else would have it?” her eyes opening wider. “Didn’t you redeem it for me?” “Of course I did, but I left it at your house on Saturday.” “Left it at my house?” she half rose, then sank back again in her chair. “I have never received it.” “What! Didn’t you find it in the box of violets?” “Violets? I never received any violets from you.” “You didn’t?” Tom’s bewilderment was so pronounced that Janet took fright. “D--do you think the florist stole the bracelet?” she demanded breathlessly.