the little place anyhow," Mr. Flack continued
sociably. And he observed further and with the same friendliness: "The
old gentleman seems all there."

"Oh he's the dearest of the dear."

"He's a real gentleman--of the old stamp," said George Flack.

"Well, what should you think our father would be?"

"I should think he'd be delighted!"

"Well, he is, when we carry out our plans."

"And what are they--your plans?" asked the young man.

"Oh I never tell them."

"How then does he know whether you carry them out?"

"Well, I guess he'd know it if we didn't," said the girl.

"I remember how secretive you were last year. You kept everything to
yourself."

"Well, I know what I want," the young lady pursued.

He watched her button one of her gloves deftly, using a hairpin released
from some mysterious office under her bonnet. There was a moment's
silence, after which they looked up at each other. "I've an idea you
don't want me," said George Flack.

"Oh yes, I do--as a friend."

"Of all the mean ways of trying to get rid of a man that's the meanest!"
he rang out.

"Where's the meanness when I suppose you're not so ridiculous as to wish
to be anything more!"

"More to your sister, do you mean--or to yourself?"

"My sister IS myself--I haven't got any other," said Delia Dosson.

"Any other sister?"

"Don't be idiotic. Are you still in the same business?" the girl went
on.

"Well, I forget which one I WAS in."

"Why, something to do with that newspaper--don't you remember?"

"Yes, but it isn't that paper any more--it's a different one."

"Do you go round for news--in the same way?"

"Well, I try to get the people what they want. It's hard work," said the
young man.

"Well, I suppose if you didn't some one else would. They will have it,
won't they?"

"Yes, they will have it." The wants of the people, however, appeared at
the present moment to interest Mr. Flack less than his own. He looked at
his watch and remarked that the old gentleman didn't seem to have much
authority.

"What do you mean by that?" the girl asked.

"Why with Miss Francie. She's taking her time, or rather, I mean, she's
taking mine."

"Well, if you expect to do anything with her you must give her plenty of
that," Delia returned.

"All right: I'll give her all I have." And Miss Dosson's interlocutor
leaned back in his chair with folded arms, as to signify how much, if
it came to that, she might have to count with his patienc