Chapter VII: (Friday, November 2.)

HE--Give me Madison 7-9-3-1-m, please. No, no; I want the other party on this line. Don't buzz that bell so loud in my ears. Hello! Is that Mr. Pratt's? Oh! is this you, Miss Pratt? You're looking well this evening. This is Carroll Vincent.

SHE--Feeling tiptop, thank you. Did you get wet in the rain last night?

HE--No; it stopped pouring almost as soon as we left your house.

SHE--I'm glad of that. I want to thank you for the chocolates you sent this evening. You said you were going to send a book.

HE--I know I did. I tramped the town over to get that novel, but every shop was out of it. Then I did not like you to think I had forgotten you so soon, and I sent the bonbons.

SHE--It certainly was sweet of you. They're nearly all gone already.

HE--Mercy, mercy--don't make yourself sick! I wouldn't have you that way.

SHE--You wouldn't have me any way, would you?

HE--Give me the chance. But I'm afraid you're a "jollier," Miss Pratt.

SHE--You're the first to tell me.

HE--Did you say "first" or "fiftieth"? There was a noise on the wire just then.

SHE--I know you're a flirt.

HE--Never! I've got my fingers crossed.

SHE--Those eyes of yours were not made for nothing.

HE--Neither were yours. Jack said so last night. By the by, he's a capital fellow. I'll never get over being grateful to him for bringing us together.

SHE--I think he's just fine.

HE--You're speaking very zealously. Do you know I'm almost jealous of him when I hear you talk like that.

SHE--I'm a loyal champion for my friends, you'll find. I have but few, and those I keep.

HE--Do you ever add to the list?

SHE--That's for you to discover.

HE--Count me in, please.

SHE--Well--I'm willing to try to do so.

HE--Thanks, awfully. By the way, they've pledged me their word that a copy of that novel will be here tomorrow. May I bring it around Sunday evening?

SHE--Why, I could be reading the book all day Sunday.

HE--Then I'll make it tomorrow night. Will that suit?

SHE--I have no engagement, and will be glad to have you.

HE--Good-bye until then.