So I've been working in places where the swellest women
come. First in a milliner shop; then as dresser to a model in the shop
of a swell modiste; always watching how the ladies behave. Now I'm at
the Ritzmore, and I carry a tray of cigarettes around the tables at
lunch and at tea-time and during dinner and during the after-theater
supper. I'm supposed to be there to sell cigarettes, but I'm really
there to watch how the ladies handle their knives and forks and behave
toward the men. Isn't it all awfully clever?"

"Why, Maggie!" he exclaimed.

"And pretty soon, when I've learned more," she continued rapidly, "I'm
going to have swell clothes of my own--and be a lady--and get away from
this dingy, stuffy, dead old place! I can't stand for being buried down
here much longer. And, oh, Larry, I'm going to begin to work with you!"

"What?" he blinked, not yet quite understanding.

"You think I'm not clever enough? But I am!" she protested. "I tell you
I've learned a lot. And Barney and father have let me help in a lot of
things--nothing really big yet, of course. They think I'm going to be
a wonder. Just to-day father was saying that you and I, teamed up--Why,
what's the matter, Larry?"

"You and I--teamed up," he repeated slowly.

"Yes. Don't you like the idea?"

His hands suddenly gripped her bare shoulders.

"There's nothing to it!" he exclaimed almost savagely.

"What's that?" she cried, startled.

"I tell you there's nothing to it!"

"You--you think I can't put it over?"

"You can't! And I'm not going to have it!"

"Why--why--"

Staring, she drew slowly away from him. His face, which a few moments
before had been smiling, was now harsh and dominant with decision.
She had heard him spoken of as "Laughing Larry"; and also as "Terrible
Larry" whose aroused will none could brook. He looked this latter person
now, and she could not understand.

But though she could not understand, her own defiant spirit stormed up
to fight this unexpected opposition. He didn't believe in her--that was
it! He didn't think she was equal to working with him! Her young figure
stiffened in angered pride, and her mind was gathering hot phrases
to fling at him when the door from the pawnshop began to creak open.
Instantly Larry turned toward it, relaxed and yet alert for anything.
Old Jimmie and Barney Palmer entered.

"Hello, Larry!" cried the old man, crossing. "Welcome to our city!"

"Hello, Jimmie. Hello, Barney." And Larry