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"I don't believe it," he disputed graciously

"But I ah--so high, that it filled his eyes "Everything has gone wrong withto have to wait in front of a big office building for fifteen minutes Every instant, I expect a policeman to come up and orderthe street?"

"Yes, and put theeons over in Dearborn Avenue Poor Mr Cable, he should be made to suffer severely for his wretched conduct The idea of--"

"Don't you dare to say anything mean about dad," she warned

"But he's the cause of all the trouble--he's never done anything to make you happy, or--"

"Stop!--I take it all back--I'm in a perfectly adorable hury with hi his dear old brain to pieces, and I'm out here with no brain at all," she said ruefully

To the ingenuous youth, such an appeal to his gallantry ell-nigh irresistible, and for a moment it seemed as if he would yield to the temptation to essay a brilliant contradiction; but his wits ca that not only were the frowning rocks of offence to be avoided, but likewise the danger of floundering helplessly about in the inviting quicksands of inanity, he preserved silence--wise young man that he was, and trusted to his eyes to express an eloquent refutation At last, however, so seemed to occur to him A sht?" he hazarded

"What makes you think so?"

"I knoho took you in to dinner"

The eyes of the girl narrowed slightly at the corners

"Did he tell you?"

"No, I have neither seen nor heard from anyone present" She opened her eyes wide, now

"Well, Mr S Holmes, as it?"

"That iht in the trap; her little chin went up in the air; she even went so far as tothe i--he was the life of the dinner," she returned somewhat severely

"He's a professional!"

"An actor!" she cried incredulously

"No, a professional diner-out Wasn't that rich young Jackson there?"

"Why, yes; but do tella little, her curiosity aroused

"Of course I will," he said boyishly, at once pleased with himself and his sympathetic audience "About five-thirty I happened to be in the club Medford was there, and as usual catering to Jackson, when the latter was called to the 'phone Naturally, I put two and two together" He paused to hly enjoy the look of utter irl's countenance It was very apparent that this"What Jackson said to Medford, on his return," the young man continued, "I did not hear; but froered that an invitation had been extended and accepted Oh, we boys have got it down fine! Garrison is---"