lden. She
was uneasy about this transaction in which her mother proposed so
precipitately to invest the greater part of their little fortune. But
the more she thought over the situation the more its difficulties
became apparent. She had no personal knowledge or experience which
could be summoned for such an occasion. She would like to have asked
Dave's advice; instinctively she distrusted Conward. Yet, . . . .
Conward was Dave's partner. It was impossible to attribute honest
motives to one half of the firm and deny them to the other. And it was
unreasonable to expect that Dave's advice would conflict with
Conward's. And, in the event that an issue did arise between the two
partners, it was quite certain that her mother would side with Conward.
Meanwhile the agreement neared completion, and Mrs. Hardy had produced
her cheque book.

Irene's excitement at length reached the point where she could no
longer remain silent. "I think I would hesitate, mother," she cried.
"If you buy this house we will have only a few thousand dollars left.
I am not thinking of myself. Your health may demand other
expenditures----"

"My health was never better," Mrs. Hardy interrupted. "And I'm not
going to miss a chance like this, health or no health. You have heard
Mr. Conward tell how many people have grown wealthy buying property and
selling it again. And I will sell it again--when I get my price," she
ended, with a finality that suggested that large profits were already
assured.

"It is as your mother says," Conward interjected. "There are many
rapid increases in value. I would not be surprised if you should be
offered an advance of ten thousand dollars on this place before Fall.
It is really a very exceptional investment."

"There must be an end somewhere," Irene murmured, rather weakly. But
her mother was writing a cheque. "I shall give you five thousand
dollars now," she said, "and the balance when you give me the deed, or
whatever it is. That is the proper way, isn't it?"

"Well, it's done," said Irene, with an uneasy laugh, which her
excitement pitched a little higher than she had intended.

In an adjoining room Dave Elden heard that laugh, and it stirred some
remembrance in him. Instantly he connected it with Irene Hardy. The
truth was Irene Hardy had been in the background of his mind during
every waking hour since Bert Morrison had dropped her bombshell upon
him. How effectively she had dropped it! What