Fairchild gripped it eagerly.
"Thank you.

But it may not be as bad as the rumors." "I hope not." Then quickly she withdrew her hand, and somewhat flustered, turned as her companion edged closer.

"Maurice, this is Mr.
Fairchild," she announced, and Fairchild could do nothing but stare.
She knew his name! A second more and it was explained; "My father knew his father very well." "I think my own father was acquainted too," was the rejoinder, and the eyes of the two men met for an instant in conflict.

The girl did not seem to notice.
"I sold him a ticket this morning to the dance, not knowing who he was.
Then father happened to see him pass the house and pointed him out to me as the son of a former friend of his.

Funny how those things happen, is n't it ?" "Decidedly funny!" was the caustic rejoinder of the younger Rodaine.
Fairchild laughed, to cover the air of intensity.