rsation had taken, Shirley pretended to be more busy than
ever with the papers.

"Yes--that is no--not that I know of," replied Ryder. "But because
a woman has a good character, that doesn't necessarily make her a
desirable match, does it?"

"It's a point in her favor, isn't it?"

"Yes--but--" He hesitated as if uncertain what to say.

"You know men well, don't you, Mr. Ryder?"

"I've met enough to know them pretty well," he replied.

"Why don't you study women for a change?" she asked. "That would
enable you to understand a great many things that I don't think
are quite clear to you now."

Ryder laughed good humouredly. It was decidedly a novel sensation
to have someone lecturing him.

"I'm studying you," he said, "but I don't seem to make much
headway. A woman like you whose mind isn't spoiled by the
amusement habit has great possibilities--great possibilities. Do
you know you're the first woman I ever took into my confidence--I
mean at sight?" Again he fixed her with that keen glance which in
his business life had taught him how to read men. He continued:
"I'm acting on sentiment--something I rarely do, but I can't help
it. I like you, upon my soul I do, and I'm going to introduce you
to my wife--my son--"

He took the telephone from his desk as if he were going to use it.

"What a commander-in-chief you would have made--how natural it is
for you to command," exclaimed Shirley in a burst of admiration
that was half real, half mocking. "I suppose you always tell
people what they are to do and how they are to do it. You are a
born general. You know I've often thought that Napoleon and Caesar
and Alexander must have been great domestic leaders as well as
imperial rulers. I'm sure of it now."

Ryder listened to her in amazement. He was not quite sure if she
were making fun of him or not.

"Well, of all--" he began. Then interrupting himself he said
amiably: "Won't you do me the honour to meet my family?"

Shirley smiled sweetly and bowed.

"Thank you, Mr. Ryder, I will."

She rose from her seat and leaned over the manuscripts to conceal
the satisfaction this promise of an introduction to the family
circle gave her. She was quick to see that it meant more visits to
the house, and other and perhaps better opportunities to find the
objects of her search. Ryder lifted the receiver of his telephone
and talked to his secretary in another room, while Shirley, who
was still standing, continued examining the