u as
my future fiance if, in two years' time, I came to the conclusion that I
would give up a business career. That's all; and that holds no ground for
your giving me an engagement ring, nor for me to take one and wear it. I
simply refuse to be bound in any way. Better understand this, once for
all, Tom!"

The other members of the family now came in and welcomed Tom and also
insisted upon having him tell them how much better he felt. The ring-box
which Tom had so eagerly pulled from his vest pocket as he sat upon the
divan with Polly, he now managed to slip back again without having been
discovered in the act. Even Eleanor failed to see the action.

Before Tom had had time to conclude his polite answers as to the state of
his health, the bell rang a second time and the maid admitted Paul
Stewart. Nor did the evening advance far before Jim and Ken dropped in,
then came Dodo and Mr. Dalken, and last but not least the Ashbys stopped
in to inquire how everyone was. Such "stoppings" usually ended, as on
this evening, by their remaining until midnight.

Mr. Ashby had news for his two new assistants in business. "Late in the
afternoon before Christmas, I had a 'phone call from Mrs. Courtney,
girls. She asked me to make an appointment with you to meet her at my
shop, tomorrow morning at eleven. I promised to let you know."

"Oh, that's the lady we met at the Parsippany sale," exclaimed Eleanor.
"I wondered what had become of her since then."

"Maybe she wants us to find her a few antiques," suggested Polly,
eagerly.

"I believe she plans to redecorate her boudoir, and wants you two
beginners to take the commission. She seems to place a great deal of
confidence in your ability to please her," said Mr. Ashby.

Eleanor smiled at her superior in business. "Feeling any jealousy at our
popularity?"

"Not a whit!" laughed Mr. Ashby. "It only adds more glory to my brilliant
fame, because I was astute enough to secure such talent!"

Mrs. Courtney's appointment to meet the two young decorators in a
business conference came at just the time when both Eleanor and Polly
were half-persuaded to give up their art and turn aside to marriage,
although neither girl really wanted to take the husband instead of the
career, at that time. When Paul and Tom would be out of sight once more,
and their magnetic presences removed so that calm business atmosphere
might control again, both girls would see they had been wise in deferring
their eng