Then he quietly went to her and offered his arm.

De Forest stepped up at the same moment.

"Miss Vernor, will you condescend to accept of my valuable escort home ?" "I beg your pardon," interrupted Denham, "I am Miss Vernor's escort to-night." De Forest stood still.

"I did not know it was a return-ticket arrangement." "It was," answered Denham, decidedly.

"You can hardly expect me to relinquish my rights." "I should say your rights depended wholly on Miss Vernor's choice.