“Both of which you might as well have done down here,” Cameron declared.  “I adore my baby niece, and Mr. Harper and I would have been more than glad to listen to your exchange of confidences.”

“Oh, they weren’t intended for your ears!” exclaimed Marie, with mock horror.  “Kimono confidences are very, very sacred.  But it may well be that your ears burn.”

“Which ear?” asked Kenneth, feeling of both of his.

“Fair exchange,” said Marie, gaily.  “Tell us what you said about us, and we’ll tell you what we said about you.”

“We said you were the two prettiest and sweetest girls in the world,” said Cameron.

“And we said,” declared Patty, “that you were the two handsomest and most delightful men in the world.”

“But we said you had some faults,” said Kenneth, gravely.

“And we said you had,” retorted Marie.  “Let’s tell each other our faults.  That’s always an interesting performance, for it always winds up with a quarrel.”

“I love a quarrel,” said Cameron, enthusiastically.  “I dare anybody to tell me my greatest faults!”

“Conceit,” said Marie, smiling at her cousin.

“That isn’t a fault; it’s a virtue,” Kit retorted.

“That’s so,” and Marie nodded her head; “if you didn’t have that virtue, you wouldn’t have any.”

“That’s a facer!” said Kit.  “Well, Marie, my dear, as you haven’t that virtue, am I to conclude you haven’t any?”

“That’s very pretty,” and Patty nodded, approvingly; “but I want to stop this game before it’s my turn, for I’m too sensitive to have my faults held up to the public eye.”

“But we haven’t quarrelled yet,” said Kit, who looked disappointed.  “Why do you like to quarrel so much?” asked Patty.

“Because it’s such fun to kiss and make up.”

“Is it?” asked Patty; “I’d like to see it done, then.  You and Ken quarrel, and then let us see you kiss and make up.”

“Harper is too good-natured to quarrel and I’m not good-natured enough to kiss him,” said Kit.  “I guess I won’t quarrel to-day, after all.  I can’t seem to get the right partner.  Let’s try some other game.  Want to go over to the club and bowl?”

“Yes, indeed,” cried Patty; “I’d love to.”

So the four young people bundled into fur coats, and motored over to the country club.

They were all good players and enjoyed their game till Kit reminded them that it was nearly luncheon time, and they went back to the house.

“How is Babette?” Patty inquired, as their hostess appeared at luncheon.

“She’s worse;” and Mrs. Perry looked very anxious.  “I don’t want to worry you girls, but I think you would better go home this afternoon, for I don’t know what Babette’s case may develop into.  The doctor was here this morning, and he has sent a trained nurse to take care of the girl.  I confess I am worried.”

“Oh, we were going this afternoon, anyway,” said Patty.  “I have to, as I have an engagement this evening.  But I’m sorry for you, Mrs. Perry.  It is awful to have illness in the house.  What is it you are afraid of?”