"I don't care a great deal about dances these days; and if you aren't going to be there----" "You could stay away," she suggested.

"You wouldn't!" "Unfortunately, I can't.

I'm afraid I'm supposed to be the excuse.

Miss Lamb, in her capacity as a friend of my relatives----" "Oh, she's giving it for YOU! I see! On Mildred's account you mean ?" At that his face showed an increase of colour.

"I suppose just on account of my being a cousin of Mildred's and of----" "Of course! You'll have a beautiful time, too.