The next dance was Mr. Bell’s, and that rosy-cheeked youth came up blithely to claim it.

“Come along, Cousin Patty,” he said, and Cameron stared at him in amazement.

“Are you two cousins?” he said.

“Once removed,” returned Eddie Bell, gaily; “and this is the removal.”  He took Patty’s hand and laid it lightly within his own arm as he led her away.

“Don’t let’s dance right off,” he begged.  “Let’s rest a minute in this bosky dell.”

The dell was an alcove off the ballroom, which contained several palms and floral baskets and a deep, cushioned window-seat.

“Let’s sit here and watch the moon rise;” and he led Patty toward the window-seat, where he deftly arranged some cushions for her.

“I believe the moon rises to-morrow afternoon,” said Patty.

“Well, I don’t mind waiting.  Sit here, won’t you?  These stupid cushions ought to be of a golden yellow or a pale green.  However, this old rose does fairly well for our blond beauty.  Isn’t it nice we’re of the same type and harmonise with the same furnishings?  When we’re married we won’t have to differ about our house decorations.”  “When we are what?”

“Married, I said.  You know, you’re not really my second cousin and there’s absolutely no bar to our union.”

This was quite the most audacious young man Patty had ever met.  But she was quite equal to the situation.

“Of course there isn’t,” she said, lightly.  “And, when I think of the economy of our being able to use the same colour scheme, it is an inducement.”

“And meantime we must get better acquainted, as you said when we were dancing.  May I come to see you in the city?  Where do you live?”

“In Seventy-second Street,” said Patty, “but I feel it my duty to tell you that there’s already a long line awaiting admission.”

“Oh, yes, I’ve seen that line when I’ve been passing.  It goes clear round the corner of the block.  Do I have to take my place at the end, or can I have a special favour shown me?”

“I’m sure your sense of justice wouldn’t permit that.  You take your place at the end of the line, and when your turn comes I’ll be glad to welcome you.”

“Then that’s all right,” said Mr. Bell, cheerfully, “and you’ll be surprised to see how soon I appear!  Now, lady fair, would you rather go and dance or sit here and listen to me converse?”

“It’s pleasant to rest a little,” and Patty nestled into her cushions, “and you really are amusing, you know.  Let’s stay here a little while.”

“Now, isn’t that nice of you!  Do you want to talk, too, or shall I do it all and give you a complete rest?”

“You do it all,” said Patty, indolently.  “It will be like going to a monologue entertainment.”

“At your orders.  What subject would you like?”

“Yourself.”

“Oh, wise beyond your years!  You know the subject that most interests a man.”