e mine, and
believe the occasion indicates the Place Viger. In fact, I telegraphed
about a table and rooms."

They drove across the city, and Agatha looked about with some amusement
and curiosity as she ate her dinner among wealthy English and American
tourists in the big dining-room. George had taken her to a hotel of
another kind that catered for small business men, but she hoped Scott's
fastidious choice of the wines and the late flowers he had ordered were
justified. As she studied some of the other women's clothes and
contrasted them with hers, he looked up with a twinkle.

"It's obvious that Toronto can hold its own with London, Paris, and New
York," he said. "However, if you're fond of diamonds and such ornaments,
there's no reason you should exercise much self-denial."

"I don't know if I'm fond of diamonds or not. I have never had any,"
Agatha replied.

"Well, they're quite unnecessary, but you'll soon be able to have them
if you like. Your brother is plainly cautious; it will be your
privilege to enlarge his views."

George smiled rather grimly. "Agatha and I were brought up in a shabby
frame house behind a store and learned to think of cents instead of
dollars. Our father made some sacrifice to start us well; I know what it
cost him now."

"Perhaps we had better tell Miss Strange what we have done. When they
have brought us our coffee we'll find a quiet place where we can talk."

Some minutes later they sat down at a small table: behind a pillar in a
spacious room, and Scott took out a bundle of documents.

"This is the first meeting of the _Agatha Mine Company_, and it's proper
that Miss Strange should be our chairman. To begin with, we must appoint
executive officials and the president comes first. I think the place
belongs to Mr. Strange."

"No," said George, "the treasurer's my job. You want a business man to
keep a tight hand on the money."

They looked at Agatha, who made a sign of agreement. "Mr. Scott will be
president."

"Very well. The next is the general manager. Thirlwell's the best man I
know."

"I appointed him some time since," Agatha replied. "It's his post as
long as he likes, and he ought to be paid better than anybody else."

George glanced humorously at Scott. Agatha's manner was imperious and
her voice resolute. It looked is if she meant to use her new authority.
Scott nodded and gave her a document.

"The shareholders may have something to say about these appointments