dditional joy of dazzling Trudy by her tapestry-lined
winter car. So when Steve reminded her in a matter-of-fact way that
the funeral services for Mrs. Faithful were to be at three she stared
in amazement.

"My dear boy, I am very sorry your secretary's muzzy has died--but I
cannot change my plans. I accepted for both Trudy Vondeplosshe and
myself more than a week ago."

Steve wondered if he had heard correctly. "You don't imagine for an
instant that Trudy will not go? She boarded there; they did
everything for her."

Beatrice shrugged her shoulders. "She was phoning me before lunch and
is all agog with excitement. Poor little thing, it means a lot for
her. She will be ready at three and I am to call for her."

"I don't think she understands the funeral is to-day. I know she is
heartless and shallow, but even she would scarcely omit such a duty."

Beatrice gave a long sigh. "Dear me, you ought to have been an
evangelist. I can't understand why you suddenly become punctilious and
altruistic. For years you never did anything but try to make money and
wonder if I would marry you--you never cared who was dead or what
happened as long as you were secure."

"Quite true. But I have made a fortune and married you, and it is time
for other things."

"You are welcome to them," she said, quite enjoying the argument.
"Besides, I sent my card with the flowers."

"It isn't the same as going yourself, it is your duty to go, Bea. The
girl has taken the brunt of business while we played and she has only
the reward of a salary. Her mother has died, which means that her home
is gone. I call it thick to choose a bridge party instead of paying a
humane debt."

"Why am I dragged into it? She isn't working for me! Papa never asked
me to go when any of his people had relatives who died. I don't think
he ever went himself unless there was a claim to be adjusted."

"I shouldn't ask it if it were any one else--but Mary Faithful is
different."

"You are quite ardent in your defence of her. Be sensible, Steve.
What does it matter whether I go or don't go? I think it quite enough
if you appear. Now if she were in need of actual money----"

"Oh, certainly!" he said, bitterly. "That would give you the chance to
play off Lady Bountiful, drive up in state with your check book and
accept figurative kisses on the hand! But when a plain American
business girl who has served me more loyally than she has herself
loses her mother you won't be