my soul, she might borrow a little of his
courtesy to his elders without indelicacy.
I only wish she had as sincere a way of
showing her respect for you as he has. Did
you notice that he really didn't seem to see
anybody else but you at first? And yet
you never were a friend to him, like Susy."

The lady tossed her head slightly, but
smiled.

"This is the first time he's seen Mary
Rogers, isn't it?" she said meditatively.

"I reckon. But what's that to do with
his politeness to you?"

"And do her parents know him?" she
continued, without replying.

"How do I know? I suppose everybody
has heard of him. Why?"

"Because I think they've taken a fancy
to each other."

"What in the name of folly, Ally" --
began the despairing Peyton.

"When you invite a handsome, rich, and
fascinating young man into the company of
young ladies, John," returned Mrs. Peyton,
in her severest manner, "you must not for.
get you owe a certain responsibility to the
parents. I shall certainly look after Miss
Rogers."

-74-