laugh since the accident on the
shale-fields. And every one felt much better for that laugh.

"I tell you what, boys, isn't this girl of mine a born business-brain?"
added Mr. Maynard fondly patting Eleanor on the head.

"Sure! That's why I am going to run the business end of Polly's and my
company, while she supplies all the ideals and plans for the work,"
asserted Eleanor.

"What's this? Something new on your old Dad?" asked her father.

"Not _very_ new; only since I came here and met Polly." Eleanor
squirmed away from Polly's warning nip on the arm, and added: "You see,
Dad, I am bound to go with Anne when she starts for New York to
school--that has all been settled between us, hasn't it?"

Mr. Maynard smiled indulgently as if to concede any proposition to this
child, and Eleanor continued with more assurance:

"And Polly, having all her hopes of attending school in Denver blasted
by Anne and her mother going on to New York, now has decided that the
only thing for her to do is to go with us to New York. It is a wonderful
opportunity for her, too, as she is as determined to take up Interior
Decorating for a profession, as I am. And where on earth can one find
such store-houses of valuable lore on the subject, as right in New
York!"

Mr. Brewster cleared his throat preparatory to an objection but Eleanor
kept right on talking fast and loud in order to down him.

"After figuring the whole plan out, Polly and I find that we need a few
years more of regular school under Anne's tuition; then a few years of a
special course of decorating in a first-rate school in New York--then,
if we are not _too_ old, we will go abroad for a visit to the art
galleries in Europe. But we may have to give that delightful trip up
and turn right into work, as we must not wait until old age cripples our
abilities. So you see----"

"Nolla, let me say a word, won't you?" began Polly, seeing her father's
expression.

"No, Poll, not now! I have said all I want to tell Dad about our future
business connections, and it may influence him somewhat in going into
our mine company. But now that he knows just what I shall do from now
on, we can leave them to discuss matters while we go in and look over
your wardrobe and see what you will need before going to New York."

So saying, Eleanor dragged Polly up from her seat on the grass and, by
dint of winks and tugs, made her understand that it was best for all
concerned if they were well out of