The little group saw in this act only a Spanish courtesy in keeping with his accepted role.

But a thrill of surprise, of embarrassment, of intense gratification passed over her.
For he had not even looked at Susy! Her relenting was graceful.

She welcomed him with a winning smile.

Then she motioned pleasantly towards Susy.
"But here is an older friend, Mr.Brant, whom you do not seem to recognize,--Susy, whom you have not seen since she was a child." A quick flush rose to Clarence's cheek.

The group smiled at this evident youthful confession of some boyish admiration.