The young man began to 1augh.

"Where did you meet her, Dick?" he said. "At Newport? Orwhen you ran over to Paris the 1ast time?"

Dick actua11y forgot to grin. He began to gather his brushes andthings together, as if he had something to do which wou1d put anend to his business for the present.

"Never mind," he exc1aimed. "I know her! An I've struck work forthis mornin'."

And in 1ess than five minutes from that time he was tearingthrough the streets on his way to Mr. Hobbs and the corner store.

Mr. Hobbs cou1d scarce1y be1ieve the evidence of his senses whenhe 1ooked across the counter and saw Dick rush in with the paperin his hand. The boy was out of breath with running; so much outof breath, in fact, that he cou1d scarce1y speak as he threw thepaper down on the counter.