t," said the young man coldly.

"Yes, indeed," chimed in Fanny, rising and making preparations to
retire for the night.

"Must you really go?" said the millionaire in a regretful tone as if
they would really confer a favor by disturbing still longer the
privacy of himself and his wife.

The clerk looked hesitatingly at his employer, as if there was still
something on his mind that was troubling him. Peevishly he said:

"Yes, it's late. I want to get to bed. It's nearly one o'clock and
I've got to be at the office by nine It's different with you. You
haven't got to be there unless you want to. That makes a difference."

"So it does," said the millionaire carelessly. Abruptly, as if he did
not wish the conversation prolonged, he said: "Well, good night!"

"Good night," rejoined the other in a surly, dissatisfied tone.

Virginia rose and went towards her sister.

"Good night, dear," she said affectionately.

"Good night."

As she was going out Fanny suddenly turned back. Running to her
brother-in-law, she said:

"Thank you so much for the auto."

"That's all right!" he said with a good natured laugh, as if the
giving away of automobiles was an incident of every day. "It's for the
kid. Kiss her good-night for me, will you?"

"Indeed, I will!" exclaimed Fanny gratefully. "Good night."

She followed Virginia out of the room and the two men stood looking at
each other--Jimmie somewhat intimidated, Stafford with an amused
expression on his face as if wondering what demand this extraordinary
employee of his would make upon him next. There was an awkward pause.
Finally the clerk said:

"If I don't get a good eight hours' sleep my brain don't work right.
Would you mind if I was late an hour or so in the morning?"

"I wouldn't," replied Stafford dryly. "But McLaughlin might. He's the
superintendent of your department and I never interfere with the
superintendent."

"He'd be sure to call me down," snapped Jimmie sourly. "He's got it in
for me and don't mind showing it. Some time I'll tell him what I think
about him."

Stafford shook his head. Warningly he said:

"Don't you do it. If you do he might tell you what he really thinks
about you. So take my advice and don't go out of your class."

"But if I told him that you--"

"Don't!" said the millionaire curtly. "I never interfere with the
superintendent."

"Then I suppose I'll have to be there," said Jimmie sulkily: "But
remember this--if I don't get a goo