, sort of an
old blue effect with not a frill or a ruffle in sight but with
everything toned in, from the spider-webby hat to the suede slippers.
And all she has to do to bring Peyton alongside is to tilt her chin
invitin'.

We only caught glimpses of 'em the whole afternoon. And that Sunday
evenin' the porch swing worked overtime again. I know both Vee and me
did a lot of yawnin' before they finally drifts in. I'd never seen
Peyton quite so chirky. He even goes so far as to smoke a cigarette. And
next mornin', as he leaves reluctant with me to catch the 8:03 express,
he stops me at the gate to give me the hearty grip.

"I say, old man," says he husky, "I--I never can tell you how grateful I
am for--for what you've done."

"Then let's forget it," says I.

"Forget!" says he, smilin' mushy. "Never!"

At lunch time he asks me which of the Fifth Avenue photographers I think
is the best.

"Eh?" says I, grinnin'. "Thinkin' of havin' yourself mugged and sendin'
the result to somebody in a silver frame?"

"Well," says he draggy, "I--I've been meaning to have some pictures
taken for several years, and now----"

"Got you," says I. "But if you want something real swell let me tow you
to a place I know of on Fifty-fifth."

Honest, I wasn't thinking about the Maison Noir at the time or that it
was just next door. In fact, it was Peyton himself who stops in front of
the show window and grabs me by the arm.

"I say!" says he, pointin' in at the exhibit. "See--see there."

He's pointin' to a display of checked gingham frocks, blue and white and
pink and white, with hats to match.

"Yes," says I, "do look sort of familiar, don't they?"

"Why," he goes on, "they're almost exactly like those of--of Lucy's; the
same simple lines, the same material and everything."

"Classy stuff," says I. "Come along, though. The picture place is next
door, upstairs."

Peyton still stands there gawpin'. "Such a coincidence," he's murmurin'.
"I wonder, Torchy, if one could find out about how much they ask for
such things in a place like this."

"Easiest thing in the world," says I. "Just blow in and get 'em to give
you quotations."

"Oh, but I wouldn't dare do that," says he. "It would seem so--so----"

"Not at all," says I. "As it happens, this joint is one where Vee does
more or less shoppin', when she's feelin' flush, and I've often been
with her. If you're curious we'll breeze in and get their prices."

Peyton was right there wi