"That's a sign we're getting on," he replied. "When we're young we laugh at the falling leaves--they are only a sign of some new sport. When I'm as old as you are I suppose I'll begin to observe all the bald-heads at the theatre." "Well, now, for our dinner-party. I must write to Mrs. Lambert to-night." "You'd better take second thought about this matter--'Reckless Kate.'" "I have." "Take a third. Consider this--the girl may go into a trance at the table." "Oh, if she only would! My fear is she'll be like other amateur performers--'subject to a cold' or something. These gifted people are so often disappointing." "Now, see here, Kit, seriously, if you invite Miss Lambert to our house it must be as any other charming guest--" "You didn't suppose I was _really_ going to ask her to spookle?" she indignantly answered; then added, with a smile: "Of course, if she _insists_ on reading my palm--or--any little thing like that, it wouldn't be nice to refuse, would it?" "I knew it! You have designs upon her. Don't do it. It would be too gross after your protest against others for using her. She herself complained bitterly of just this treatment. You must not even speak of her powers." She lifted her hand solemnly. "_I swear!_" "I mistrust you even when you swear," he ended, doubtfully. "There's a tell-tale gleam in your eyes." And at this moment of banter they both lost their sense of the girl's imminent peril and thought of her only as a most entertaining possibility as a guest. XII VIOLA IN DINNER-DRESS Viola glowed with joy over Kate's invitation to dinner, and, flying to the telephone (as she was requested to do), accepted without consulting either her mother or Clarke, and fell immediately into wonder whether she possessed a gown becoming enough to fit the golden opportunity. Mrs. Lambert was also pleased, but at once said, "I hope Tony will feel like going." Viola resented the implied doubt of their own acceptance. "I am going, anyhow. I will not be shut up here any longer like a convict. I like Mrs. Rice very much, and I want to see her house. I know it will be just as nice as she is." "But we can't go without Anthony, my dear." Clarke came to the door a little later to say that he had received Mrs. Rice's invitation, but that he did not care to feed the curiosity of such people. "You would better plead a previous engagement," he added to Viola. "I'll do nothing of the sort," she indignantly answered. "Indeed, I've already accepted. You needn't look black--I'm going," she added, in pouting defiance. Something in her look as well as in her tone convinced him that wisdom lay in not attempting to restrain her, therefore he gave assent, gloomily and with a sense of loss. "I don't know how Pratt will feel about it. He don't like those people, and, besides, he has invited some friends in to see you this evening."