. Nor was there anything in the least
businesslike, official, or stenographic about her manner. If her head
bulged with facts about the treatment of the deficient classes, no hint
of that appeared in her talk at parties. Few of the young men she danced
with thought her clever, and this shows how clever she really was. For
there are men in this world who will run ten city blocks in any weather
to avoid talking to a woman who knows more than they do, and knows it,
and shows that she knows that she knows it.

Charles Gardiner West looked down at Sharlee; and the music singing in
his blood, and the measure that they trod together, was all a part of
something splendid that belonged to them alone in the world. Another man
at such a moment would have contented himself with a pretty speech, but
West gave his sacred confidence. He told Sharlee about the presidency of
Blaines College.

Sharlee did not have to ask what he would do with such an offer. She
recognized at sight the opportunity for service he had long sought; and
she so sincerely rejoiced and triumphed in it for him that his heart
grew very tender toward her, and he told her all his plans; how he meant
to make of Blaines College a great enlightened modern institution which
should turn out a growing army of brave young men for the upbuilding of
the city and the state.

"They elect me the first of June. Of course I am supposed to know
nothing about it yet, and you must keep it as a great secret if you
please. I give up my business in April. The next month goes to my plans,
arranging and laying out a great advertising campaign for the September
opening. Early in June I shall sail for Europe, nominally for a little
rest, but really to study the school systems of the old world. The
middle of August will find me at my new desk, oh, so full of enthusiasms
and high hopes!"

"It's splendid.... Oh, how fine!" paeaned she.

Upon the damask wrapping of Sharlee's chair lay a great armful of red,
red roses, the gift of prodigal young Beverley Byrd, and far too large
to carry. She lifted them up; scented their fragrance; selected and
broke a perfect flower from its long stem; and held it out with a look.

"The Assistant Secretary of the State Department of Charities presents
her humble duty to President West."

"Ah! Then the president commands his minion to place it tenderly in his
buttonhole."

"Look at the sea of faces ... lorgnettes, too. The minion _dassen't_."

"Oh, t