prised at the request, and rather startled, Virginia looked up,
wondering what favor she, poor little stenographer, could possibly
render the millionaire. Quickly she replied:

"Certainly--anything in my power."

He bowed and went on:

"As you know, I am in the railroad business. As head of an important
transcontinental system, it is part of my work to investigate and look
into anything that may prove of value in improving our equipment. If
this Mr. Gillie has invented something really valuable, I'd like to
know what it is. If there is anything in it, I might be able to render
him a good service in bringing his invention promptly to the attention
of the right people. You can see yourself how important it is that I
should meet Mr. Gillie--"

Virginia flushed with mingled pleasure and embarrassment. She was
delighted at the thought that she might be able to advance Fanny's
interests, but Jimmie was such an impossible person! How could she
introduce him to a man of Mr. Stafford's polish and distinction? Yet
for Fanny's sake she ought not to let any opportunity slip by. Seeing
her hesitate, Stafford went on:

"Why couldn't you and your sister come and dine with me at Riverside
Drive next Saturday evening at seven o'clock? And bring Mr. Gillie
with you. I shall be delighted to meet your sister and her fiance. It
will also be a good opportunity for you to look over some of my art
treasures--quite an interesting collection, I assure you, picked up
here and there, all over the world. Do come. Don't say no. I'll have
Oku, my Japanese butler, prepare a little dinner. We'll be merry as
crickets. Besides I think I can do your future brother-in-law a good
turn. You will come, won't you?"

He leaned forward, his eyes ardently fixed on hers. There was
something in his look, in his manner, which brought the color to her
cheeks, yet it was nothing at which she could take offence. On the
contrary, she had every reason to feel flattered and pleased. In her
heart she knew that this sudden anxiety to meet Jimmie was but a
pretext, and that it was she alone whom he really wanted to go and
admire the works of art in his beautiful Riverside home. Something
told her that this man loved her, and the very thought of it, with all
the possibilities it conjured up, sent through her a thrill of mingled
pleasure and alarm.

"Won't you?" he said again, in earnest, pleading tones.

There was a brief silence. Then, looking up, she said with a f