ues, and so inferior to what we dreamed
them, reverses our sentiments about them.

"Now beware, girls! Don't let this reversal affect you, in the least.
These objects are just as valuable and desirable, here, as ever they were
over there. It is only your personal view-point that has changed,
somewhat. You have not been visiting old collections, or museums abroad,
for some weeks now; and the radical change from touring ancient Europe,
to rushing about in New York in quests of homes, school, and clothes for
the season, has made a corresponding change in your minds.

"In a short time, you will be back in harness and feel the same keen
delight in these old possessions as aforetime."

Polly appreciated the sense of Mr. Ashby's little lecture, but Eleanor
still felt disappointed with her purchases. And Dodo laughed outright at
the old pewter she had gone wild over in England, and now scorned in
America.

That evening Mr. Fabian explained, carefully, about the times and customs
of the purchases that represented certain people. He wove a tale of
romance about each piece of furniture the girls had delighted in, and
enhanced their interest in the dishes and other small objects they had
collected that summer, until the three disappointed owners felt a renewed
attraction in the articles.

Mr. Ashby was present, but he said nothing until Mr. Fabian had ended.
Then he added in a suggestive manner: "Fabian, what do you say to the
girls taking short trips to the country, each week, to hunt up such
antiques as can be found in out-of-the-way nooks all through New
England?"

The girls perked up their ears at this, and waited to hear Mr. Fabian's
reply.

"If they had a car and someone to accompany them on such excursions, I
think they would thoroughly enjoy it."

"Dalken has three cars--two limousines, you know; and he told me that he
wished he could prevail upon the girls to make use of one, instead of his
leaving it in a garage to eat up its value in rent. I thought of this way
to give the girls many interesting quests, and make use of the car at the
same time, so I mentioned it to him. He was delighted and wants the girls
to try the plan," explained Mr. Ashby.

"And I will offer myself as chaperone," hastily added Mrs. Fabian.

"If I could only be included in these outings I should love it," laughed
Nancy Fabian.

"You are! Any one who belongs to us, must consider themselves as
invited," said Polly, laughingly.

So an ou