a previous memorable occasion. What could it presage? Was it
possible that his soul and her soul had but a single thought? Had he
betrayed himself by his shuttle-like performance of the past four
mornings? Had she observed him, and was she "wise"?

The matter of the business suit was upper-most in the mind of each.
But as it was something that involved a further assault upon their
financial stronghold, it was a subject that must be approached with
great tact. Each, dreading an avalanche of reproach, waited for the
other to speak. And it was not until Skinner had finished his second
demi-tasse that he began, using the suggestive rather than the
assertive form of speech, a form frequently used in the "feeling-out"
process. He knew that he could tell by the way Honey received his
suggestion whether to go ahead or gracefully to change the subject and
save his face.

"I notice, Honey, that Colby and Crawford and the rest of that bunch
wear dark business suits," he ventured.

"Dark, but generally with a fine, threadlike stripe, and ties to match
always," Honey said softly. "And the simplest jewelry," she went
on,--"inexpensive jewelry!"

Then they both fell silent.

"I know what you're thinking about," Skinner ventured again, not
unwilling to shift the burden.

"What?"

"You want me to get a new business suit. Now, don't deny it."

He made the "don't deny it" suggest a warning, almost a threat. But
now that the ice was broken, Honey did n't take the plunge. Instead,
she felt her way in.

"You have n't had one for ever so long--and that was only a _cheap_
one."

"I would n't need one now if I did n't have to live up to that darned
dress suit you made me buy."

Honey sighed.

"Think of the cost," Skinner went on, still using the suggestive form
and leaving himself an avenue of escape, if necessary.

Honey threw her head back and looked resolutely into Skinner's eyes.
"Cost or no cost, you must have one!" Skinner had accomplished his
purpose and had at the same time avoided the odium of doing so. But
Honey had no such scruples. She had taken the initiative and she was
going to see the thing through to the limit. "But we must be very
careful about the socks and ties--for, of course, you know, Dearie, you
must get socks and ties," she went on. "I have figured it all out."

"You have, you fraud?" said Skinner.

Honey pouted reproachfully, and he hastened to add, "I, too, have
figured it all out.