ht she showed a good deal of fine logic, there."

"You mean, she agreed with everything you suggested!" Copley made a
despairing gesture. "Aunt Ocky, come down to brass tacks. It's true
that I'm crazy about Sheila and that she cares more for me that I could
hope to deserve--"

"Ever so much more!"

"--but Sheila is a human being who has to _eat_! She has to have
clothes to wear. She probably has a preference for a roof over her
head. And I--I'm _bust_!"

"Nothing saved from your allowance, I suppose?"

"It was never magnificent. Now, it is discontinued. Father has always
put it to my credit at the bank punctually on the first of the month.
Last Tuesday I dropped in to get my balance and--found an overdraft!
He was never careless in his life, so I don't need to ask him if he
forgot to make the deposit. He has simply decided to bring it sharply
to my attention that I am in no situation to marry, so he has cut out
my allowance."

"Humph. I expect you're right." She frowned at this new manifestation
of Simon's ruthless determination always to have his own way in
everything, then shifted a portion of her severity toward her nephew.
"In a sense, Copley, I'm rather glad that he did. If there's one thing
you need, it's a touch of adversity. Stiffen up, boy! I've done
everything this morning that I propose to do for you; now go to Sheila
and talk things over with her, as you ought to, instead of with me.
She's waiting for you!"

He rose with decision, a new alertness in his face and manner.

"Aunt Ocky, you're a brick." Impulsively, he took a step toward her,
thrust forth a sinewy hand and gripped the one she raised. "It makes
me feel like a new man just to listen to you--and the only thing I
can't understand is why you think me worth the trouble you take."

"There is no mystery about that. I have always loved your mother
tenderly, and some of that affection you have inherited. Sheila is a
lovely girl who I believe will make you happy--and do you good. As for
my desire to have the business settled--well, I've my own reasons for
that which will be made clear to you in time. Have you anything else
on your infant mind? No? Then, go--for goodness' sake, go!"

He went.

Miss Ocky sank back in her chair and for a space stared out at the
peaceful countryside that rose and fell in gentle undulations which
finally faded away into the blue distance. The forgiving Angora leaped
to her lap and she caress