n why he should try that
bluff with me. 'When this double purpose can no longer be served the
Consolidated Companies must cease to exist.' Bah! I can see the shearing
ahead of us as well as he can, and he won't gain anything by trying to
assume the role of the Almighty, leaving us to be the wicked partners."

He showed no evidences of his ruffled feelings when he reached the
hotel. Alice was expecting him, but she was in ignorance as to the
nature of his errand.

"We are to have our first lesson this morning," he announced.

"First lesson in what?" was the surprised inquiry.

"In business and finance," Covington enlightened her, smiling. "Your
father has given me the privilege of helping you manage your first
business enterprise. A part of one of the concerns recently assimilated
by the Consolidated Companies is a prosperous mail-order department
which we intend to continue, for a time at least. Your father's
instructions are that all the mail shall be brought to you each morning
by a stenographer, who will receive your dictation and bring the
letters back to you in the afternoon for your approval and signature.
For a time I will give you such advice as you need, and later you will
have matters entirely in your own hands as long as you wish to remain
manager of the department. How do you like the idea?"

"It is perfectly splendid," Alice cried, her eyes sparkling. "When am I
to begin ?"

"I will explain some of the details to you now," Covington answered,
drawing a package of papers from his pocket. "You must make yourself
perfectly familiar with these, and we will take the business up
seriously when you return to New York."

"Why did father do this?" the girl demanded, suddenly.

Covington was surprised. "Isn't it something you wanted?" he asked.

"More than anything else in the world, but father never seemed to
realize it. If I can only do something to help, and feel myself
accomplishing no matter how little, I shall be the happiest girl in the
world."

"Others who are not so wholly engrossed have seen what you wanted, Miss
Alice. Perhaps you have them to thank in part."

"I do thank you, Mr. Covington, and it is good of you to take all this
trouble to teach me how to do it," she said, gratefully. "I know how
valuable your time is, and how much it must interfere with your work to
gratify this desire of mine which probably seems foolish to you all."

"Such an experience is of value to any girl, but especi