. Dunn, we will go into the drawing-room."

She led the way toward the apartment. Captain Elisha was about to speak.
Pearson, however, explained for him.

"Miss Warren," he said, "if by a business call you mean one in the
interest of the _Planet_, I assure you that you are mistaken. I am no
longer connected with any paper. I met Captain Warren, under rather
unusual circumstances. We discovered that we had mutual friends and
mutual interests. He asked me to call on him, and I did so. I did not
know, until five minutes ago, that he was your uncle or that you and
your brother lived here. I beg you won't leave the room on my account. I
was about to go when you came. Good evening."

He bowed and stepped toward the hall. Captain Elisha laid a hand on his
arm and detained him.

"Just a minute," he said. "Caroline, I want you and Steve to know that
what Mr. Pearson says is exactly true. I ain't the kind to talk to the
newspapers about the private affairs of my relations, and, if I'm
any judge of character, Mr. Pearson, knowin' you as it seems he does,
wouldn't be the kind to listen. That's all. Now, Jim, if you must go."

He and his guest were at the door. Caroline and Mrs. Dunn were at the
opposite side of the room. Suddenly the girl halted, turned, and, moving
across to where her uncle and the young man were standing, once more
extended her hand.

"Mr. Pearson," she said, impulsively, "again I ask your pardon. I should
have known. I am very sorry I spoke as I did. Will you forgive me?"

Pearson colored. His embarrassment was more evident than before.

"There is no occasion for apology, Miss Warren," he said. "I don't
wonder you thought I had come in my former capacity as reporter."

"Yes, you do. You _must_ have wondered. I am very glad you called to see
my--my guardian, and I hope you will continue to do so. Father used to
speak so highly of you, and I'm sure he valued your friendship. Stephen
and I wish to consider his friends ours. Please believe that you are
welcome here at any time."

Pearson's reply was brief.

"Thank you, Miss Warren," he said. "You are very kind. Good evening."

In the hall, as they waited for the elevator, Captain Elisha, happier
than at any time since his arrival in New York, clapped his friend on
the shoulder.

"Jim," he said, "I was beginnin' to doubt my judgment of things and
folks. Now I feel better. That niece of mine has got the right stuff in
her. After _that_ invitation, you w