pleasure to humble my pride to your desires. That is how it came about. Also, I saw those ladies� . And I do not think I shall be great friends with your Lana Helmer — even when I am fine and brave in gown and powder to face her on equal terms — — ”

“Lois, what in the world are you babbling?”

“Let me babble, Euan. Never have I been so happy, so content, so excited yet so confident� . Listen; do you dread tomorrow?”

“I?”

“Yes — that I might not do you honour before your fashionable friends?� And I say to you, have no fear. If my gowns are truly what I think they are, I shall conduct without a tremour — particularly if your Lana be there, and that careless, rakish friend of yours, Lieutenant Boyd.”