Ralph Henry Barbour

“ There were five places set and one of them, to which Harry was ceremoniously conducted, was piled with packages.
“Oh!” said Harry. And this time she was genuinely surprised, and her eyes grew large as she looked from the packages to the merry watching faces. Then the candle flames grew suddenly blurred for her and a tear stole down one side of her nose.
“And this time she was genuinely surprised”
“What’s the matter?” asked Chub in distress.
“Every one’s much too nice to me,” sniffed Harry, searching for her handkerchief. (Of course she didn’t have one and so had to borrow Roy’s.) ”

“ Chub frowned, while Dick and Roy and Harry looked perplexed. The atmosphere of mystery grew heavier every moment.
“Are they all—book agents?” faltered Harry. Mr. Cole broke into a laugh.
“You’d better let me show you up in your true colors, Noon,” he said. Billy smiled. ”

“ Dick, who was nearest, threw it open and Billy walked in.
“Hello, Noon!” cried Mr. Cole, pausing in the dance. “Is that you? What luck?”
“Good,” answered Billy smilingly as he laid down his hat and seated himself beside it on the window-seat.
“Then you got them?”
“All three.”
“Good for you!” said the artist heartily. “Where are they?”
“Silver Cove. Brady has them. We’re going down on the midnight. I brought your boat back and thought I’d stop a minute and say good-by.”
“Are you going away?” cried Harry.
“Yes, I must go now,” was the answer.
“I’m so sorry,” said Harry. ”