“He said he would drive over to Lilith’s and bring you back,” said Mrs. Dudley. “I came the short way, cut across the Blanchards’ yard,” explained Polly. “That’s why I didn’t meet him.” “He seemed anxious to see you to-night, so he will probably be here soon. He is going back early in the morning.” “Then he won’t stay for the party,” said Polly. “I thought maybe that is what brought him down.” She repeated this to David himself. “No,” he replied indifferently, “I don’t train with that crowd. Are you going?” “Of course,” Polly answered. He looked at her keenly. “With whom?” he asked. “With two or three of the girls, Lilith Brooks, for one.” “In whose car?” “I believe Russell Ely is going to drive.” “Oh! I might have known,” he commented stiffly. Polly laughed. “No, you mightn’t,” she returned. “Philip Lee was intending to take us, but they had unexpected company at home and their car was needed. That is why we are going with Russell. I don’t see why you can’t stay over and go with us.” “Marietta wishes to return at once,” he said. “Besides, I don’t care for that sort of thing. I wonder that you do.” “Why shouldn’t I? They are all my friends. I am sure it will be very pleasant.” David nodded abstractedly. “There is something I wish to ask you,” he said slowly, and waited. “I am listening.” “Will you promise to do it?” “I make no promises in the dark,” she laughed. “I should think you might do one little favor for me,” he complained. “David, I am ready to do little things for you, or big things; but I cannot say positively that I will do this special thing without knowing what it is.” “Well, then--will you, for my sake, stay away from that foolish party?” A sudden flame in the girl’s eyes made David flinch. “So that is why you came down from Camp Converse,” she said--“that!” Her low voice was tense with scorn. “You have shown me plainly--just--what--you are!” With her first words she had sprung to her feet, and now she darted to the doorway. “Polly! Wait! Wait!” cried David, putting out a hand. But she eluded him and was on the stairs before he could reach her. “Polly! Polly!” he called. There was no answer, and he heard the door of her room shut with a click. It was quiet in the hall upstairs. He hesitated a moment. Then he put on his hat in a bewildered way and passed out into the street. CHAPTER IV THE BIRTHDAY FÊTE Polly awoke early. Her first feeling was one of vague depression. Then her mind cleared, and she knew what had happened--it was all over between her and David. And this was the day of the fête, the day which she had anticipated with such pleasure! She had planned to write a full account of it to her lover. Now--! Thoughts came fast, bringing only pain. She sprang out of bed and began to dress.