of—” 

 “Well, I must tell you, father dear,” said Crystal, exactly as if Eddie had not been speaking, “that I think it was horrid of you not to have me called when you must have known—” 

 “Crystal, you’re scolding me,” wailed her father. “And most unjustly. I did ask him to lunch just for your sake, although I saw Eddie was shocked, and I was afraid Tomes would give warning. But I did ask him, only he wouldn’t stay.” 

 Crystal rose from the table with her eye on the clock, and they began to make their way back to Mr. Cord’s study, as she asked: 

 “Why wouldn’t he stay?” 

 “I gathered because he didn’t want to. Perhaps he was afraid he’d have to argue with Eddie about capital and labor all through lunch. And of course he did not know that I had another beautiful daughter sleeping off the effects of a late party, or very likely he would have accepted.” 

 Very likely he would. 

 Just as they entered the study, the telephone rang. Crystal sprang to the instrument, brushing away her father’s hand, which had moved toward it. 

 “It’s for me, dear,” she said, and continued, speaking into the mouthpiece: “Yes, it’s I.” (A pause.) “Where are you?... Oh, yes, I know the place. I’ll be there in five minutes, in a little blue car.” She hung up the receiver, sprang up, and looked very much surprised to see Eddie and her father still there just as before. “Good-by, Eddie,” she said, “I’m sorry, but I have an engagement. Good-by, father.” 

 “You don’t want to run me out to the golf club first?” 

 “Not possible, dear. The chauffeur can take you in the big car.” 

 “Yes, but he’ll scold me all the way about there not being room enough in the garage.” 

 Crystal was firm. “I’m sorry, but I can’t, dear. This is important. I may take a job. I’ll tell you all about it this evening.” And she left the room, with a smile that kept getting entirely beyond her control. 

 “What’s this? What’s this?” cried Eddie as the door shut. “A job. You wouldn’t let Crystal take a job, would you, Mr. Cord?” 

 “I haven’t been consulted,” said Mr. Cord, taking out his new driver again. 

 “But didn’t you notice how excited she was. 

 Prev. P 34/53 next