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THAT ROYLE GIRL
323

us in perfect shape to move a nolle pros, if your Greek patriot is still holding the ship to-morrow."

Calvin welcomed the work, imposing it upon himself for the distracting torment of it, in preference to his thoughts in idleness through the day. By night he was prepared, and he went to bed certain of Ketlar's release in the morning.

The prospect, indeed, was apparent to every one who read the early editions of the Monday morning papers which were sold at downtown street corners on Sunday evening; Dads purchased one and immediately telephoned to reassure himself that Joan was safe.

Having regained sobriety, Dads was delayed only by his imperative need of a shave and a facial massage, together with the simultaneous ministrations of a manicurist and bootblack, before he hurried home to disperse the party which was gathered in Joan's room.

Hoberg was acting as host, Dads observed upon his arrival; for Hoberg had called in the afternoon with candy and flowers and, staying on, had ordered up ice cream and cakes to make of supper a festive occasion, shared not only by Hoberg but by several youths and girls from other apartments in the building. Joan had been serving tea for them, and the ice cream upon her own plate was untouched, Dads saw; her mother saw it also and appropriated the plate, after Daisy definitely had deserted it. The girl could not feast and celebrate, Dads knew; and tactfully, but only the more promptly for it, he cleared the room.

Confronted by many dishes to be washed, mamma wilted as soon as the guests were gone and retired to her refuge in bed.

"Simply pile up the dishes to-night," Dads bid Joan Daisy, grandly, with his pleasant air of persuasion that a task postponed was as good as one performed.