I would have been glad to shine in that lively and amusing competition, but possessed no such desirable talents, and so when called upon contrived merely a commonplace toast which all applauded as in duty bound.

And I saw Lois looking at me with an odd, smiling expression, not one thing or another, yet scarcely cordial.

“And now,” says Boyd, “each lady in turn should offer an impromptu toast in verse.”

Whereupon they all protested that the thing was impossible.  But he was already somewhat flushed with the punch and with his own success; and says he, with that occasional and over-flourishing bow of his: 

“To divinity nothing is impossible; therefore, the ladies, ever divine, may venture all things.”

“Which is why I venture to decline,” remarked Lana.  But he was set upon it, and would not be denied; and he began a most flowery little speech with the ladies as his inspiration: 

“Poetry and grace in mind and body is theirs by nature,” said he, “and they have but to open the rosy petals of their lips to enthrall us all with gems of——­”

“Lord!” said Mrs. Bleecker, laughing, “I have never writ a verse in my life save on my sampler; and if I were to open the rosy petals of my lips, I should never have done a-giggling.  But I’ll do it, Mr. Boyd, if you think it will enthrall you.”

“As for me,” quoth Angelina Lansing, “I require a workshop to manufacture my gems.  It follows that they are no true gems at all, but shop-made paste.  Ask Lana Helmer; she is far more adept in sugaring refusals.”

All turned smilingly toward Lans, who shrugged her shoulders, saying carelessly: 

  “I must decline! 
  The Muses nine
  No sisters are of mine. 
  Must I repine
  Because I’m not divine,
  And may not versify some pretty story
  To prove to you my own immortal glory? 
  Make no mistake.  Accept; don’t offer verses. 
  Kisses received are mercies—­ given, curses!”

Said Boyd instantly: 

“A thousand poems for your couplets!  Do you trade with me, Miss Helmer?”

“Let me hear your thousand first,” retorted the coquette disdainfully, “ere I make up my mind to be damned.”

Major Parr said grimly: 

“With what are we others to trade, who can make no verses?  Is there not some more common form of wampum that you might consider?”

“A kind and unselfish heart is sound currency,” said Lana smiling and turning her back on Boyd; which brought her to face Lois.

“Do make a toast in verse for these importunate gentlemen,” she said, “and bring the last laggard to your feet.”

“I?” exclaimed Lois in laughing surprise.  Then her face altered subtly.  “I may not dream to rival you in beauty.  Why should I challenge you in wit?”

“Why not?  Your very name implies a nationality in which elegance, graceful wit, and taste are all inherent.”  And she curtsied very low to Lois.