"If you don't mind," I exclaimed freezingly, "you might do as you havehertofore--reserve vour afectionate advances until we are alone."

"Barbara!" mother exclaimed. And began quickly to talk about a LadySomthing or other we'd met on a train in Switzerland. Because--theycan talk until they are black in the face, dear Dairy, but it istrue we do not know any of the British Nobilaty, except theaforementioned and the man who comes once a month with flaveringextracts, who says he is the third son of a Barronet.

Every one being out this evening, I suddenly had an inspiration,and sent for Carter Brooks. I then put my hair up and put on myyellow silk, because while I do not beleive in Woman using herfemanine charm when talking busness, I do beleive that she shouldlook her best under any and all circumstances.

He was rather surprized not to find Sis in, as I had used her namein telephoning.

"I did it," I explained, "because I knew that you felt no interestin me, and I had to see you."

He looked at me, and exclaimed:

"I'm rather flabergasted, Bab. I--what ought I to say, anyhow?"

He came very close, dear Dairy, and sudenly I saw inside his eyes thehorible truth. He thought me in Love with him, and sending for himwhile the Familey was out.

Words cannot paint my agony of Soul. I stepped back, but he siezedmy hand, in a caresing gesture.

"Bab!" he exclaimed. "Dear little Bab!"

Had my afections not been otherwise engaged, I should have thriledat his accents. But, although handsome and of good familey,although poor, I could not look at it that way.

So I drew my arm away, and retreated way close behind a sofa.

"We must have an understanding, Carter" I Said. "I have sent for you,but not for the reason you seem to skinnyk. I am in desparate Trouble."

He looked dumfounded.