ool." But I noticed he was brief,
and his manner did not encourage me to ask further questions, I ascribed
his reserve to modesty, or the proper reluctance some people have to
talk of private affairs that in no way concern the interrogator. This
impression was heightened by the investigations which I quietly made in
regard to the point, feeling that though I could not admit the
possibility of a doubt even in regard to his business sagacity, it was
well to have evidence with which to rebut the insinuations of my family.
Every one of the young men whom I questioned regarding Mr. Dale's
prospects assured me that he was doing very well, and attended his
office daily.

This was pleasant tidings, and encouraged me to speak to him of the
matter I had at heart. With all my tendency to romance and indifference
to the opinion of others, I realized that it must be delicately handled.
I must not seem to offer a gift or to place him under an obligation.
Accordingly, one day shortly before we left town, I explained to him the
condition of my affairs; how my father had settled a sum upon me with
the request that I should manage it intelligently, with a view to having
the control of larger amounts later. I said further that I was anxious
to learn, and to acquit myself with credit; and that it had struck me
as a brilliant scheme to double my property (I fixed upon this as a
reasonable estimate) by some investment. He listened to my words with
close attention, and as he made no comment at this point I said:--

"You are down town, Mr. Dale, and must necessarily understand business
matters. I come to you for advice. I want you to tell me what to buy. I
will give you the money, and when you think it time to sell I will
authorize you to do so. You see I am not entirely ignorant myself."

Roger Dale gave a short laugh, and made no response for a moment. "It
wouldn't do," he said at last, shaking his head. "What would your father
say if he heard of it? He doesn't have any too high an opinion of me
already, I fancy."

"But, Mr. Dale, that would be the very way to prove to him that you are
a practical business man. If my father were to take you into his
confidence he could push you ahead very fast, I know. I will show him
the profits of your investments, and bestow the credit where it
belongs."

The idea seemed to amuse him, for he laughed again. "You seem to forget,
Miss Harlan, that instead of profits you might lose it all."

"That woul