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FLAMING YOUTH

Lo, Con,” was her opening.

here?”

91

“Seen T. T. around

Constance’s companion arose and viewed the new arrival with surprise, amusement and expectation. The latter was not immediately fulfilled. “No,” said Constance with significant brevity. “It’s in the conservatory.” Which was a guess. “T’ve looked,” said Pat.

Which

was

a lie.

She di-

rected a guileless gaze at Cary Scott. “I think you must have been sitting on it,” she said; “my copy of Town Topics.”

“No; I assure you,” he returned. There was a moment’s pause which he relieved by turning to Constance. “This is Miss Patricia?” he asked. “Yes; that’s the infant,” returned

Constance

so dis-

paragingly that Pat at once decided to sce it through.

“Only. half an introduction,” she said, greatly fancying herself for her aplomb. “What’s the other half?” “Cary Scott, at your service, mademoiselle.” her an elaborate bow, twinkling.

He made

She held out a hand, large, firm, and nervously mod-

elled. “Oh, yes. Dee’s been telling me about you. Such a lot.” “A charming historian. I hope the history borrowed

some of the quality.” “It wasn’t so dull.

Con, are you driving down for

Dad to-day?” “No. You are.”

“Oh, very well. I can take the car, then. Good-bye, Mr. Scott. Tt was really an awfully interesting history. Y¥’d like to hear more of it some day.”

‘’'That’s a precocious child, Stancia,” said Cary Scott,

giving to theyspecial name which he had devised for Constance a caressing quality.