7

porch Daisy seized upon the momentary interruption and leaned toward me.

"I'll tell you a family secret."she whispered enthusiastically.

"It's about the butler's nose.Do you want to hear about the butler's nose?"

"That's why I came over to-night.""Well.he wasn't always a butler:he used to be the silver polisher forsome people in New York that had a silver service for two hundred people.He had to polish it from morningtill night.until finally it began to affect his nose."

"Things went from bad to worse,"suggested Miss Baker.

"Yes.Things went from bad to worse.until finally he had to give up his position."For a moment the lastsunshine fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face:her voice compelled me forward breathlessly asI listenedthen the glow faded,each light deserting her with lingering regret.like children leaving a pleasantstreet at dusk.

The butler came back and murmured something close to Tom's ear.whereupon Tom frowned,pushed backhis chair.and without a word went inside.

As if his absence quickened something within her.Daisy leaned forward again,her voice glowing andsinging.

"I love to see you at my table,Nick.You remind me of aof a rose,an absolute rose.Doesn't he?"She turnedto Miss Baker for confirmation:"An absolute rose?"This was untrue.I am not even faintly like a rose.Shewas only extemporizing.but a stirring warmth flowed from her.as if her heart was trying to come out to youconcealed in one of those breathless,thrilling words.Then suddenly she threw her napkin on the table andexcused herself and went into the house.

Miss Baker and I exchanged a short glance consciously devoid of meaning.I was about to speak when she satup alertly and said"Sh!"in a warning voice.A subdued impassioned murmur was audible in the roombeyond.and Miss Baker leaned forward unashamed.trying to hear.The murmur trembled on the verge ofcoherence.sank down.mounted excitedly.and then ceased altogether.

"This Mr.Gatsby you spoke of is my neighbor-."I said.

"Don't talk.I want to hear what happens."

"Is something happening?"I inquired innocently

"You mean to say you don't know?"said Miss Baker.honestly surprised.

"I thought everybody knew."

"I don't."

"Why-."she said hesitantly."Tom's got some woman in New York."

"Got some woman?"I repeated blankly.

Miss Baker nodded.