"Before I left home Mel Iden was about the prettiest and most popular girl in Middleville.

Her people were poor, and ordinary, perhaps, but she was the equal of any one." "Thesel couldn't rush Mel now and get away with it, unless on the q-t," replied Lorna.

"Haven't you heard about Mel ?" "No, you see the fact is, my few correspondents rather neglected to send me news," said Lane.
The significance of this was lost upon his sister.

She giggled.

"Hot dog! You've got some kicks coming, I'll say!" "Is that so," returned Lane, with irritation.