invited to the ball. Prince Robin rolled on a couch and roared with delight. Lieutenant Dank, as became an officer of the Royal Guard, stood at attention—in the bow window with his back to the room, very red about the ears and rigid to the bursting point.     

       "I suppose, however, we'll have to keep on the good side of the Blithers syndicate," said Robin soberly, after his mirth and subsided before her wrath. "Good Lord, Aunt Loraine, I simply cannot go up there and stand in line like a freak in a side show for all the ladies and girls to gape at I'll get sick the day of the party, that's what I'll do, and you can tell       'em how desolated I am over my misfortune."     

       "They've got their eyes on you, Bobby," she said flatly. "You can't escape so easily as all that. If you're not very, very careful they'll have you married to the charming Miss Maud before you can say Jack Rabbit."     

       "Think that's their idea?"     

       "Unquestionably."     

       He stretched himself lazily. "Well, it may be that she's the very one I'm looking for, Auntie. Who knows?"     

       "You silly boy!"     

       "She may be the Golden Girl in every sense of the term," said he lightly.       "You say she's pretty?"     

       "My notion of beauty and yours may not agree at all."     

       "That's not an answer."     

       "Well, I consider her to be a very good-looking girl."     

       "Blonde?"     

       "Mixed. Light brown hair and very dark eyes and lashes. A little taller than I, more graceful and a splendid horse-woman. I've seen her riding."     

       "Astride?"     

       "No. I've seen her in a ball gown, too. Most men think she's stunning."     

 Prev. P 42/254 next