echanism. It was pleasing to be
rich, even in fancy. My thoughts reverted to the children.

"Dear pampered darlings," I murmured, "they little know the lives of
independence and of ease that are before them. They will never know
what it is to toil and to economize. And Alice--sweet girl--this will
put an end to her worry about grocery bills!"

It is curious how completely I lost interest in our new house as soon
as the prospect of getting rich dawned upon me. You will not believe
it, but after that talk with Colonel Doller I looked with actual
disdain upon the old Schmittheimer home and its broad, velvety lawn
under the noble trees. I was so possessed with the fascinating scheme
suggested by Colonel Doller that I was even tempted to bid Uncle Si and
his men quit work until I had consulted with Alice as to the
feasibility of abandoning the proposed improvements and investing the
rest of Mr. Black's three thousand dollars in the twenty-five-foot
strip to the south of us. I am glad now that the still small voice
within me prevailed, and that I saw Alice before saying anything to
Uncle Si.

"Reuben Baker," exclaimed Alice, "that property is _mine_ and I bought
it for a home, _not_ to _sell_. If you and Colonel Doller want to
speculate, you need n't think you 're going to rope me into any of your
schemes."

"But, Alice, darling--"

"I sha' n't listen to a word of such nonsense," persisted Alice. "So,
there."

I was inclined to remonstrate, but just at that moment the front door
bell rang and a telegraphic message was handed in. The message was
from Cincinnati and it read in this wise:

"Shall be there to-morrow morning to look things over. _Luther M.
Black_."

In the prospect of a visit from our patron, Mr. Black, I speedily
forgot all about Colonel Bobbett Doller and his pleasing panorama of
potentialities. In this we see illustrated the wisdom of Providence in
so dispensing human events as to soothe the wounds of disappointment
with the balm of anticipation.

XI

I MAKE A STAND FOR MY RIGHTS

Shortly after Mr. Black's arrival that worthy gentleman was escorted
with all due formality to the old Schmittheimer place in Clarendon
Avenue. Recognizing the fact that first impressions are lasting, we
determined that Mr. Black's first impressions of our purchase should be
favorable. So we conducted him to our property by a rather circuitous
route. The approach to the old Schmittheimer place fro