urred to one phase
of their talk.

"You ought not to need any telling as to why I work, Alice."

She shot one swift annoyed glance at him. When Ned Merrill tried the
sentimental she liked him least.

"Oh, all men like to work, I suppose. Uncle Joe says it's half the fun
of life."

"Most men work for some woman. I'm working for you," he told her
solemnly.

A little giggle of laughter floated across to him.

"What are you laughing about?" he demanded.

"Oh, the things I notice. Just now it's you, Ned."

"If you'll explain the joke."

"You wouldn't understand it. Dear me, what are you so stiff about?"

Merrill brought things to an issue. "Look here, Alice! What's the use of
playing fast and loose? I'd like to know where we're at."

"Would you?"

"Yes, I would. You know all about the arrangement just as well as I do.
I haven't pushed you. I've stood back and let you have your good times.
Don't you think it's about time for us to talk business?"

"Just as soon as you like, Ned."

"Well, then, let's announce it."

"That we're not engaged to be married and never will be! Is that what
you want to announce?"

He flushed angrily. "What's the use of talking that way? You know it has
been arranged for years."

"I'm not going through with it. I told Father so. The thing is
outrageous," she flamed.

"I don't see why. Our people want it. We are fond of each other. I never
cared for any girl but you."

"Let's stick to the business reasons, Ned."

"Hang it, you're so acid about it! I do care for you."

Her dry anger spurted out. "That's unfortunate, since I don't care for
you."

"I know you do. Just now you're vexed at me."

"Yes, I am," she admitted, nodding her head swiftly. "But it doesn't
make any difference whether I am or not. I've made up my mind. I'm not
going through with it."

"You promised."

"I didn't, not in so many words. And I was pushed into it. None of you
gave me a fair chance. But I'll not go on with it."

"But, why?"

"Because I'm an American girl, and here we don't have to marry to
amalgamate business interests. I won't do it. I'd rather be--" She gave
a little shrug of her shoulders. The passion died out of her voice. "Oh,
well! No need getting melodramatic about it. Just the same, I won't do
it. My mind's made up."

"A pretty figure I'll cut, after all these years," he complained
sulkily. "Everyone will know you jilted me."

Alice turned to him, mischief sparkling in her ey