this establishment is to collect money from the
transient and resident public. Now you're not a bit good at collecting
money because you're so well-bred, but I'm not so awfully well-bred--"

"You _are_--"

"I'm bold--blunt--brazen! I'm forward. I'm resolute and grim. In short,
I belong to the younger generation which you despise so--"

"I don't despise _you_, you dear--"

"Come," said Sharlee, springing up; "let's go down. I'm wild to meet Mr.
Bylash again. Is he wearing the moleskin vest to-night, do you know? I
was fascinated by it the last time I was here. Aunt Jennie, what is the
name of this young man--the one I may be compelled to bounce?"

"His name is Queed. Did you ever--?"

"Queed? _Queed_? Q-u-e-e-d?"

"An odd name, isn't it? There were no such people in my day."

"Probably after to-morrow there will be none such once more."

"Mr. Klinker has christened him the little Doctor--a hit at his
appearance and studious habits, you see--and even the servants have
taken it up."

"Aunt Jennie," said Sharlee at the door, "when you introduce the little
Doctor to me, refer to me as your business woman, won't you? Say 'This
is my niece, Miss Weyland, who looks after my business affairs for me,'
or something like that, will you? It will explain to him why I, a
comparative stranger, show such an interest in his financial affairs."

Mrs. Paynter said, "Certainly, my dear," and they went down, the older
lady disappearing toward the dining-room. In the parlor Sharlee was
greeted cordially and somewhat respectfully. Major Brooke, who appeared
to have taken an extra toddy in honor of her coming, or for any other
reason why, flung aside his newspaper and seized both her hands. Mr.
Bylash, in the moleskin waistcoat, sure enough, bowed low and referred
to her agreeably as "stranger," nor did he again return to Miss Miller's
side on the sofa. That young lady was gay and giggling, but watchful
withal. When Sharlee was not looking, Miss Miller's eye, rather hard
now, roved over her ceaselessly from the point of her toe to the top of
her feather. What was the trick she had, the little way with her, that
so delightfully unlocked the gates of gentlemen's hearts?

At supper they were lively and gay. The butter and preserves were in
front of Sharlee, for her to help to; by her side sat Fifi, the young
daughter of the house. Major Brooke sat at the head of the table and
carved the Porterhouse, upon which when the eyes of Willia