can get him a state license and
he can drive a taxicab. It will suit him, because he can sit to do it."

So Tufik went to an automobile school and stood by while some one drew
pictures of parts of the engine on a blackboard, and took home lists of
words that he translated into Arabic at the library, and learned
everything but why and how the engine of an automobile goes. He still
thought--at the end of two months--that the driver did it with his
foot! But we were ignorant of all that. He would drop round in the
evenings, when Hannah was out or in bed, and tell us what "magneto" was
in Arabic, and how he would soon be able to care for Tish's car and
would not take a cent for it, doing it at night when the taxicab was
resting.

At the end of six weeks we bought him a chauffeur's outfit. The next
day the sister arrived and Tufik brought her to Aggie's, where we were
waiting. We had not told Hannah about the sister; she would not have
understood.

Charlie Sands telephoned while we were waiting and asked if he might
come over and help receive the girl. We were to greet her and welcome
her to America; then she was to go to the home of the Syrian with the
large mustache. Charlie Sands came in and shook hands all round,
surveying each of us carefully.

"Strange!" he muttered. "Curious is no name for it! What do we know of
the vagaries of the human mind? Three minds and one obsession!" he said
with the utmost gentleness. "Three maiden ladies who have lived
impeccable lives for far be it from me to say how many years; and
now--this! Oh, Aunt Tish! Dear Aunt Tish!"

He got out his handkerchief and wiped his eyes. Tish was speechless with
rage, but I rose to our defense.

"We don't want to do it and you know it!" I said tartly. "But when the
Lord sends want and suffering to one's very door--"

"Want, with large brown eyes and a gentle voice!" he retorted. "My dear
ladies, it's your money; and I dare say it costs you less than bridge at
five cents a point, or the Gay White Way. But, for Heaven's sake, my
respected but foolish virgins, why not an American that wants a real
job? Why let a sticky Oriental pull your legs--"

"Charlie Sands!" cried Tish, rising in her wrath. "I will not endure
such vulgarity. And when Tufik takes you out in a taxicab--"

"God forbid!" said Charlie Sands, and sat down to wait for Tufik's
sister.

She did not look like Tufik and she was tired and dirty from the
journey; but she had big brown e