All turned smilingly toward Lans, who shrugged her shoulders,
saying carelessly:
"I must decline! The Muses nine No sisters are of mine. Must I
repine Because I'm not divine, And may not versify some pretty
story To prove to you my own immortal glory? Make no mistake.
Accept; don't offer verses. Kisses received are mercies— given,
curses!"
Said Boyd instantly:
"A thousand poems for your couplets! Do you trade with me, Miss
Helmer?"
"Let me hear your thousand first," retorted the coquette
disdainfully, "ere I make up my mind to be damned."
Major Parr said grimly:
"With what are we others to trade, who can make no verses? Is
there not some more common form of wampum that you might
consider?"
"A kind and unselfish heart is sound currency," said Lana
smiling and turning her ba
