ng that I could possibly regret is the fact that the
incident might throw a little cloud over what I hope will be a very
pleasant evening. If you want to be really good to me, you will
promise me you won't even think of it again. Is it a promise?"

"I'll do my best," she murmured.

"Thank you." Turning to Fanny, he said: "And you?"

"Of course," she replied confusedly; "it wasn't any of my
affair--but--"

"Then it can't bother you," he laughed.

"No," she smiled.

The host turned to the shipping clerk.

"Mr. Gillie?"

Jimmie assumed a ludicrous expression. Hesitatingly he said:

"I feel as though I ought to pay for it."

"Oh, no, no!" laughed Stafford.

"Yes," exclaimed the clerk, as if fully prepared to pay out $3,000 at
a moment's notice, "that's the way I feel, but if you insist--"

"And I certainly do," said his host decidedly.

"Then," rejoined the clerk reluctantly, "I suppose I shall have to let
the matter drop."

Stafford smiled.

"Then it is settled. Good!" Turning to Virginia, he said: "I think you
told me that your sister and Mr. Gillie are engaged."

"Yes."

Going up to Fanny and her betrothed, he extended a hand to both:

"Congratulations! I hope you'll both be very, very happy."

"Thank you," said Fanny, with a little courtesy.

"Oh, I guess we'll be all right," said Jimmie airily.

Dropping into the easy chair near the table, the clerk helped himself
uninvited to another cigar. Stafford took another seat near him, while
Virginia and her sister continued to find pleasure in examining some
of the art treasures scattered all about them.

"May I ask when the wedding takes place?" inquired the host after a
pause.

Withdrawing the perfecto from his lips. Jimmie threw back his head and
blew a ring of smoke up to the ceiling.

"That depends," he replied carelessly, "on how--a--a--business venture
of mine turns out."

Now at close range, Stafford scrutinized his guest more narrowly.
Quickly he took note of his ill-fitting clothes, cheap tie, frayed
linen and shabby shoes. He hardly looked the kind of man likely to be
burdened with heavy business responsibilities. Nodding
sympathetically,
so as to encourage confidence, he said:

"I see. What business are you in, Mr. Gillie?"

"I'm a shipping clerk."

"Then you are not in business for yourself?"

"No--that is, not now--though I hope to be some day. You see, I have
ambitions."

The millionaire nodded approvingly.

"That's r