e until late tonight and I'm all
alone."

"I might stop a little while," Penny agreed.

Despite Betty's somewhat queer actions, she had liked the girl from the
very first, and was eager to become better acquainted.

The Davis home was modestly furnished, yet with excellent taste. Penny
could not refrain from referring to the clever color scheme which had
been carried out so successfully in the living room.

"I'm glad you like it," Betty smiled. "You see, I'm studying to be an
interior decorator."

"Why, how interesting."

"I attend night school," Betty explained. "Or rather I did. Just now
Father is a little pressed for money so I've given it up for a few
months."

"I hope you'll be able to go on with it again."

"Yes, so do I, for it's the one ambition of my life. I think after
Jimmie is a little older it will be easier. Just now he's at the age
where he feels he must have fine clothes and plenty of spending money."

"Perhaps you're too indulgent a sister," Penny smiled.

"Jimmie is only a year younger than I," Betty explained, "but since
Mother died five years ago, I've always felt responsible for him.
Lately I've been terribly worried."

"On account of the company he keeps?"

"Yes, that and other things." Betty arose and nervously crossed over
to the fireplace. "I don't mean to unburden myself upon you, but
lately Jimmie has been doing wild things. Father doesn't half suspect
the truth. I'm half sick with trying to decide if I should tell him or
not."

"Probably it would relieve your mind if you did," Penny advised kindly.

"Yes, but Father has always taken such pride in Jimmie. I can't bear
to hurt him."

"Perhaps he could bring your brother to his senses."

"I'm afraid it may be almost too late. Jimmie is so headstrong. He
won't listen to anyone. He's changed so much the last few months."

"It seems to me that your father should know the truth," Penny said
quietly.

Betty Davis' face had grown slightly pale.

"I realize I should tell him," she acknowledged, "but I can't. There's
a special reason why--don't ask me to explain." Abruptly, she tried to
change the subject, saying lightly: "My brother is very handsome, I
think. Would you care to see his photograph?"

"Indeed I would," Penny returned politely.

She waited while Betty went into an adjoining room after it. As the
girl returned, a car was driving slowly past the house.

"That must be Father," Betty declared, mov