“I saw you talking with Cyril Langdon just before we left the drawing-room.  He is ill at ease, because Peggy is teasing him, but when he chooses to talk he is very interesting.  Do make Peggy stop, she is spoiling his evening.  Ask him,—­oh ask him about the Tech. athletics or anything, Jotham, can’t you?”

Jotham, as usual, glad of an opportunity to please Randy, succeeded in drawing Cyril into a conversation which proved interesting to all, and made the boy forget his discomfiture.

Peggy was aware of a vague wish that she had been more merciful, and resolved another time to help, rather than hinder a conversation.

Later, when the gay little party returned to the drawing-room, Randy begged Miss Dayton to favor her friends with some music.  Helen, ever ready to give pleasure, seated herself at the piano, Professor Marden standing beside her, ostensibly to turn her music, but in truth to watch her graceful fingers upon the keys.

Her audience was enthusiastic, and not to be satisfied with one selection.  Helen smilingly acceded to their requests, and when she arose from the piano she was greeted with generous praise.

Among the happy faces Randy saw one less bright than the others.  It was Polly Lawrence, and Randy wondered what had caused a frown upon the usually smiling face.  “It would never do to ask her why she isn’t enjoying my party,” she said to herself, “but I do wish she looked happier.  I am so happy this evening, that I wish everyone else to enjoy every moment of it.  I believe I’ll ask her to sing for us.  She sings nicely, and perhaps she would be pleased to, if she knew we wished it.”

Accordingly, Randy hastened to Polly who was standing apart from the guests, and looking as if in anything but a pleasant mood.  Her face brightened, however, when told that it would be a pleasure to hear her sing, and after a little urging, she consented.  She possessed a light soprano voice which had been carefully trained, and when she chose, she could sing most acceptably.

On this especial evening, it pleased her to do her best, and she delighted her friends with a number of songs, for which Miss Dayton played the accompaniments.  Polly received unstinted praise for her singing, and she therefore, upon her return, told her aunt that the party was a success.

At the end of the drawing-room, Nina Irwin was merrily chatting with a number of her friends, and Polly hastened to join the group, where she was soon laughing as gaily as the others, and apparently as happy.

Near the centre of the room Miss Dayton and Randy, Jotham and Professor Marden stood, evidently engaged in the discussion of a most interesting subject, and as Aunt Marcia joined them, she was asked to give her opinion.

“What has been my greatest pleasure in life?” She smiled as she repeated the question, and turned for a moment and looked long and earnestly at her portrait, then she said,