I'm
independent. And it's so seldom that us artists _git_ appreciated.
No; as I say, not a cent.--And now, I'll make my exit. It's been a
real pleasure to see you again." She backed impressively.

"The pleasure's all mine," declared Sue. "Good-by!"

"O-revour!" returned Tottie, elegantly. She bowed, swept round, and
was gone.

Mrs. Milo uncovered her face.

Balcome chuckled. "My dear Sue," he said, "when it comes to diplomacy,
our United States ambassador boys have nothing on you!"

"Oh, don't give me too much credit," Sue answered. "You know, people
are never as bad as they pretend to be. Now even you and Mrs.
Balcome--why, I've come to the conclusion that you two enjoy a good
row!"

"Ah, that reminds me!" declared Balcome. "You spoke just now of
traveling. And I think there's a devil of a lot in that travel idea."

"Brother Balcome!" exclaimed Mrs. Milo, finding relief from
embarrassment in being shocked.

"Don't call me Brother!" he cried. "--Sue, ask Mrs. B. if she wouldn't
like to get away to Europe.--And you could go with her, couldn't you?"
This to Mrs. Milo, before whose eyes he held up a check-book. "What
would you say to five thousand dollars?"

The sight of that check-book was like a tonic. Mrs. Milo smiled--and
rose, setting her bonnet straight, and picking at the skirt of her
dress.

"What do you think, Sue?" asked Balcome.

Sue considered. "They could go a long way on five thousand," she
returned mischievously.

"And I need a change," put in her mother; "--after twenty years of--of
widowed responsibility."

Balcome waxed enthusiastic. "I tell you, it's a great idea! You two
ladies----"

"Leisurely taking in the sights," supplemented Sue.

"That's the ticket!" He opened the check-book. "First, England."

"Then France." Sue was the picture of demureness.

"Then the trenches!" Balcome winked.

"Italy is lovely," continued Sue, wickedly.

"Egypt--for the winter!" Balcome's excitement mounted as he saw his
wife farther away.

"And there's the Holy Land."

This last was a happy suggestion. For Mrs. Milo turned to Mrs.
Balcome, clasping eager hands. "Ah, the Holy Land!" she cried.
"Palestine! The Garden of Eden!"

Mrs. Balcome listened calmly. But she did not commit herself. At some
thought or other, she pressed Babette close.

"Yes!" Balcome took Mrs. Milo's elbow confidentially. "And think of
Arabia!"

"India!"--it was Sue again.

"China!" added