There's Janet Mudge" (hastily selected as the plainest girl present and the farthest from Gerald, toward whom De Forest's steps were manifestly directing themselves); "let's go and speak to her." "On the contrary, let us avoid her by every means in our power," said De Forest, imperturbably, walking Bell off in the opposite direction.

"I never choose pearls when I may have diamonds.

There's Miss Vernor.

We'll go and speak with her." "But I don't want to," objected Bell, crossly.

"I am not at all as fond of Miss Vernor as you are." "Naturally not," answered De Forest, pursuing his way undisturbed.