of his competitors knew. It was not always in working order, but when it
was the man became another personality.

"Jack--" The voice was now as thin as the drawn lips permitted, with
caution in every tone, "you stop short off. You mustn't cotton to
everybody you pick up in New York--it won't do. Get you into trouble.
Don't bring him here; your aunt won't like it. When you get into a hole
with a fellow and can't help yourself, take him to the club. That's one
of the things I got you into the Magnolia for; but don't ever bring 'em
here."

"But he's a personal friend of Mr. Morris, and a friend of another
friend of Mr. Morris's they called 'Major.'" It was not the first time
he had heard such inhospitable suggestions from his uncle.

"Oh, yes, I know; they've all got some old retainers hanging on that
they give a square meal to once a year, but don't you get mixed up with
'em."

Parkins had returned by this time and was pouring a fresh cup of coffee.

"Now, Parkins, that's something like--No, I don't want any kidneys--I
don't want any toast--I don't want anything, Parkins--haven't I told you
so?"

"Yes, sir; thank you sir."

"Black coffee is the only thing that'll settle this head. What you want
to do, Jack, is to send that old fossil word that you've got another
engagement, and... Parkins, is there anything going on here to-night?"

"Yes, sir; Miss Cocinne is giving a small dance."

"There, Jack--that's it. That'll let you out with a whole skin."

"No, I can't, and I won't, Uncle Arthur," he answered in an indignant
tone. "If you knew him as I do, and had seen him last night, you
would--"

"No, I don't want to know him and I don't want to see him. You are all
balled up, I see, and can't work loose, but take him upstairs; don't let
your aunt come across him or she'll have a fit." Here he glanced at the
bronze clock. "What!--ten minutes past nine! Parkins, see if my cab is
at the door.... Jack, you ride down with me. I walked when I was your
age, and got up at daylight. Some difference, Jack, isn't there, whether
you've got a rich uncle to look after you or not." This last came with a
wink.

It was only one of his pleasantries. He knew he was not rich; not in
the accepted sense. He might be a small star in the myriads forming the
Milky-Way of Finance, but there were planets millions of miles beyond
him, whose brilliancy he was sure he could never equal. The fact was
that the money which he had accumulated ha