me—he invited you—but of course you'll have more fun at Lucy's party. We were just going to discuss business and I dare say it would be boring enough. He's a bachelor—no excitement at all."
"Of course your uncle will make it some other time when you tell him we have an engagement already for the week-end."
"You don't know the old boy. As a matter of fact, this isn't an ordinary engagement I have with him. It means a lot for you and me. I told you we have a deal on."
"What kind of a deal?"
"Well, I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to tell even you, Carmelita. It will be good news when I do tell you, you can bank on that. Meantime I've got to humor him or it's all off." She was hurt. "But I'm not selfish enough to keep you from going to Lucy's jamboree. I know it has been rough for you here in this stuffy apartment and you'll have a peach of a time with your friends. I want you to go."
"Do you really mean it?" Carmelita, whose feelings were always very near the surface, was touched by his unselfishness. Dudley was an old dear after all. She permitted him to fold her in his arms. The sport suit would be a help. And she could get the best of her old things out to that good tailor around the
