on that little girl just because that rotten, bad brother-in-law of
hers was base enough to slur her at the club. But, as you say, women
can't be driv. However, I think Lee can manage a dinner if anybody can.
As you say, we're only artists, and artists can do anything--except
borrow money. However, if you want to know, Lee says that this barber
lover of Mrs. Haney's has done more to queer her with our set than
anything else. They think her tastes are low."

"That incident is easily explained. Winchell knew her in Sibley, and
though he has undoubtedly followed her over here for love of her, he
seems a decent fellow, and I don't believe intends any harm. I will
admit her stopping outside his door to talk with him was unconventional,
but I can't believe that she was aware of any impropriety in the act.
Nevertheless, that did settle the matter with Helen. 'You can dine with
them any day if you wish,' she says, 'but--' And there the argument
rests."

"Of course, you and I can put the matter on a basis of trade courtesy,"
said Congdon; "but I confess they interest me enormously, and I would
like to do them some little favor for their own sakes. Poor Haney will
never be more of a man than he is to-day, and that little girl is going
to earn all the money she gets before she is done with him."

And so they parted, and Congdon went home to renew the discussion with
his wife. "You must call. It's only the decent thing to do, now that the
portrait is nearly done," he said.

"I don't mind the calling, Frank," she briskly replied, "and I don't
much mind giving a little dinner, but I don't want to get the girl on my
mind. She has so much to learn, and I haven't the time nor energy to
teach her."

Congdon waved his finger. "Don't you grow pale over that," said he.
"That girl's no fool--she's capable of development. She will amaze you
yet."

"Well, consider it settled. I'll call this afternoon and ask her to
dinner; but don't expect me to advise her and follow her up. Now, who'll
we ask to meet her--the Cregos?"

"Yes, I'd thought of them."

"Oh, I know all about it. You needn't stammer. You and Allen are getting
a good deal out of the Haneys, and want to be decent in return. Well, I
think well of you for it, and I'll do my mite. I'll have young Fordyce
in, and Alice; being Quakers and 'plain people,' they won't mind. Ben is
crazy to see the rough side of Western life, anyway. Now run away,
little boy, and leave the whole bus