did. I don't see how it happened!

"I do. You got the wrong house. That's certain. Maybe the wrong number or street--oh, say, didn't you want _East_ Ninety-fifth?"

"Why I don't know! Maybe I did! I always forget that East or West matters!"

"Oh, you little goose! _Why_ did they let you out alone?"

"They said I oughtn't to come alone,--but I begged so hard."

"Well, that's it. You wanted East and you got West."

"Can't I go over East now?"

"Gracious, no! It's across the Park!"

"No; I can't cross the Park. The horse tried, and had to come out."

"Well, I see it all, now. And I'll take care of you. Do you want to tell your Fairfield friends?"

Helen considered. "I think I'll tell them that I'm all right," she said at last. "I mean, I won't tell them what really has happened,--but let them think for tonight that I'm at Mrs. Wheeler's."

Again that look of suspicion crossed Mrs. Lummis' face.

"Now stop!" Helen laughed. "I'm only doing it to save them anxiety. Mrs. Fairfield will worry all night, and my cousin will nearly go crazy."

"Well, do as you like. Then I'll give you some supper and put you to bed, for I'm telling you frankly, I'm _not_ asking you to spend the evening with me."

She bustled away and Helen called up Nan.

"For goodness sake, Bumble, why didn't you call sooner? I've feared all sorts of things!"

"Nonsense, it's all right, Nan. I called you as soon as I could get around to it. Good night, now, I'm in a hurry. Bye-bye!"

Helen hung up the receiver, knowing that Nan couldn't call her back. Then, with her usual acceptance of circumstances she shook off all worry, and sat down to the pleasant little supper Mrs. Lummis offered her.

And not long after, knowing that her hostess so wished it, Helen suggested that she should retire.

"I'm giving you my room," said Mrs. Lummis, "and I hope you'll sleep well. You must be pretty much exhausted."

"I'm not," returned Helen, "I think it's a lark! But don't fear, I won't intrude. Give me a magazine or book to read, and I'll disappear till morning. Lock me in, if you like."

"Oh, no," and the lady laughed; "I'm not afraid of your appearing at my party. Good night, my dear."