The family contour was also as evident a characteristic of the short young man who stood in front of Mrs.
Dowling, engaged with her in a discussion which was not without evidences of an earnestness almost impassioned.

Like Walter, he was declining to dance a third time with sister; he wished to go elsewhere.
Alice from a sidelong eye watched the controversy: she saw the globular young man glance toward her, over his shoulder; whereupon Mrs.Dowling, following this glance, gave Alice a look of open fury, became much more vehement in the argument, and even struck her knee with a round, fat fist for emphasis.
"I'm on my way," said Walter.

"There's the music startin' up again, and I told you----" She nodded gratefully.

"It's all right--but come back before long, Walter." The globular young man, red with annoyance, had torn himself from his family and was hastening across the room to her.

"C'n I have this dance ?" "Why, you nice Frank Dowling!" Alice cried.