Please do let us have a party." [Illustration: "'Two pillows,' said Drina sweetly."] So Selwyn went to the telephone, and presently returned, saying that Boots was overwhelmed and would be present at the festivities; and Drina, enraptured, ordered flowers to be brought from the dining-room and a large table set for four, with particular pomp and circumstance.
Mr.Archibald Lansing arrived very promptly--a short, stocky young man of clean and powerful build, with dark, keen eyes always alert, and humorous lips ever on the edge of laughter under his dark moustache.
His manner with Drina was always delightful--a mixture of self-repressed idolatry and busily naive belief in a thorough understanding between them to exclude Selwyn from their company.
"This Selwyn fellow here!" he exclaimed.

"I warned him over the 'phone we'd not tolerate him, Drina.

I explained to him very carefully that you and I were dining together in strictest privacy--" "He begged so hard," said Eileen.

"Will somebody place an extra pillow for Drina ?" They seized the same pillow fiercely, confronting each other; massacre appeared imminent.
"_Two_ pillows," said Drina sweetly; and extermination was averted.

The child laughed happily, covering one of Boots's hands with both of hers.
"So you've left the service, Mr.Lansing ?" began Eileen, lying back and looking smilingly at Boots.
"Had to, Miss Erroll.