he girl and Karl might not be left alone, and
she felt almost grateful to Millar for his promise. Karl had ushered
Mimi into the studio, and then he bade his guests good-by. Left alone,
he threw himself face downward on the sofa, where Mimi found him a few
minutes later.

[Illustration: "THE ART DEALER," HE SAID SARCASTICALLY.--Page 70.

By Permission of Henry W. Savage.]

CHAPTER VI

Karl paid no attention to Mimi until she walked over to him and touched
him on the shoulder. Then he sat up impatiently.

"Did I not promise to call at your house?" he asked. "Why did you come
here?"

"Are you ashamed because I came while all those people were here?" Mimi
asked, hurt and drawing away from him.

"Oh, no, not at all. I promised to call, and I can't understand why you
did not wait," Karl answered.

Mimi timidly leaned down and put her arms around his neck. Then she said
pleadingly:

"Oh, Karl, dear, please don't get married."

"Don't! you'll spoil my collar," Karl exclaimed, trying to avoid her
embrace. Mimi began to cry softly.

"Before I saw these people I hardly ever thought of your marriage," she
said. "But now--Karl, dear, my heart aches. Please don't get married."

Karl was touched by her grief, in spite of himself. He reached over and
patted her cheek.

"There, don't cry, dearie; please don't cry," he said. "It makes you
homely."

Mimi brightened instantly, and her tears vanished, leaving her face
smiling.

"I am a silly little girl," she said.

"Yes, you are, but I like you very much," Karl said, taking her in his
arms. "Now, Mimi, suppose we talk over our marriage quietly and
sensibly. You may as well stay, now that you are here. Take off your hat
and your jacket."

He arose and was helping her off with her red woolen jacket. Then he
hugged her and said as he kissed her lips:

"I am your best friend, after all, Mimi, and you are my----"

The door opened suddenly and Millar entered, taking up Karl's speech
with:

"My overcoat; it is here somewhere. Your servant gave me yours."

Karl and Mimi drew away from each other, and Millar looked at them,
smiling.

"It's very singular," he said, "but each time I enter your studio I find
a lady disrobing. You might think this was a ladies' tailoring
establishment."

Mimi looked at Karl jealously as he glared at Millar. Then she burst
into tears and ran out of the room. Karl watched her, and as she slammed
the door, he turned to Millar and