ust know the
name of a painter of pictures,--whether an old master or a modern
artist. Not an engraving or etching shown but the good decorator ought
to be able to say who did it, and name its date.

"There are lots of counterfeit antique china sold to-day, but a good
decorator can tell instantly whether it is real antique or not.

"Besides china and pictures, one must be able to name a rug--its
qualities and value, at a glance. As for draperies and wall-hangings,
well! It all has to be thoroughly learned," said Polly.

"I always thought a man took up interior decorating just because he
happened to have been an upholsterer or fresco painter. I never knew
there was any studying to be done, first," said Jim.

"You didn't, eh! Well then, let me tell you this much; Polly and I
intend to use our money from the mine, to put us both through school in
New York. Any other city would do, I suppose, only Anne Stewart will be
there, and I never can study under any one else! So I have to attend
class in New York," Eleanor spoke with the greatest assurance that all
she said had already been agreed to by Polly's family.

"Then when Polly and I have had a year or two with Anne, we will take a
special course in some one of the best schools on the subject. This
course finished, we propose going to Europe to study Italian, French,
Spanish, and English periods and styles. If we have an extra year or so,
to spare, we might go to Japan and Egypt, as I just adore those two
lands."

"W-h-y! Eleanor! You never mentioned a word of this to me before! Who
told you we could go?" gasped Polly.

Eleanor laughed merrily. "You big innocent! Why, _I_ just told you
_myself_--that we were going abroad."

"If I ever manage to break away from Pebbly Pit after the awful speech I
made recently, I'll be lucky, and let New York or Europe alone!" laughed
Polly.

"You never would have had gumption to speak as you did, Polly, if it
hadn't been for my training you. This is what I have done to you--you
are growing to be more independent of others."

Eleanor smiled self-complacently at Polly, but the latter retorted: "I
owe you nothing on an exchange, Nolla, because you must admit that I
have filled you up with ideas you never dreamed of before you came to
the ranch!"

"Shake, old girl!" laughed Eleanor, holding out her hand.

"But about New York--girls. It would be great if you can fix it. Ken and
I will be home every holiday, and perhaps we can run d