t to
live there," interposed Grace slyly. "We'll call a taxicab and go over
to it at once. I have my own key, so we can leave our luggage and go to
Vinton's or any other place we wish for luncheon. You can spend the
night at Harlowe House. We won't be alone there, for the cook and both
maids are supposed to arrive to-day. After you have enjoyed a few hours
of my beneficent society you may refuse to be torn from me and my
sheltering home," she ended banteringly.

"I haven't the least doubt of it," averred Emma in a perfectly serious
tone. "That's why I feel as though I ought to decide now while I am in
my most heroic mood. I never dreamed of any such wonderful good fortune.
Honestly, Grace, I don't know what to say."

"Say 'yes,'" advocated Grace. "You ought to be willing to come if I am
willing to have you. If it will make you feel more independent, you may
pay for your meals. I'll see that you are not overcharged, but as far as
the room is concerned you are welcome to it. Oh, Emma, think how
delightful it will be for us! I say 'will' because you simply can't find
yourself hard-hearted enough to refuse. I'm not obliged to consult a
soul about my plans. Mrs. Gray gave me full permission to do as I think
best. I have no set expense limit. I am to be prudent and economical, of
course; that's part of my trust. After this year there will be an
expense limit. We shall know by next June just what it costs for the
up-keep of a house like Harlowe House. This year, however, we are bound
to do more or less experimenting."

Grace gazed pleadingly at Emma, who stood in the middle of the station
platform, her heavy eyebrows drawn together in deep thought.

"I'm going for that taxicab," said Grace, as Emma still remained silent.
"There's one coming into the station yard now." She signalled to the
driver, who drew up directly in front of where they were standing, then
sprang out and began loading the girls' luggage in the car.

"Come on, Emma," coaxed Grace. "You can finish making up your mind on
the way to Harlowe House."

Emma turned to her friend with a face full of affectionate gratitude.
"I'm going to accept your offer, Grace," she declared. "In fact, I can't
resist it. I am sure you want me to come and I don't know of any other
place where I'd rather be. I can't begin to tell you how much it means
to me, and in so many different ways. Are you sure there won't come a
time when you'll think, 'Oh, if only I had never asked tha