“Lucy!” gasped Mrs. Merwent as the front door closed after her daughter. Jim was alone and hard at work when Lucy reached the office. The windows were open and a breeze fluttered the papers on his desk. “Sit down,” he invited, leaning back in his chair and reaching for his pipe. “How are you all getting along at your house? Where’s the kid?” “Dimmie’s at kindergarten.” “Didn’t know he’d started to go,” said Jim. “Lots of things have happened since you were out,” remarked Lucy quietly. “Yes?” Jim lighted his pipe. Lucy did not say more and Jim smoked a moment in silence. “What is it, Lucy? Are you worried about something?” he inquired at last, blowing out a cloud of smoke. Lucy nodded her head without speaking. “Well, women always worry about one of two things, money, or another woman,” pursued Jim in a bantering tone. “Which is it?” “Both,” said Lucy seriously. Jim looked grave, and when he spoke again it was with a different manner. “Can I help, Lucy?” “I think you can, Jim. That’s why I’ve come.” He waited for her to go on. “John is spending too much, Jim, and Mamma encourages him in it,” Lucy began, rather suddenly, “and things are--are so I can’t do anything. I thought maybe if you--suggested to John--it might----” Lucy’s voice trailed off in embarrassment, and she opened and shut her purse nervously. “I will,” Jim promised earnestly. “You can depend on me, Lucy.” “I know I can, Jim.” “And, Lucy----” “Yes?” “About the money. If your expenses have swamped you--you know I have something laid up. My living costs me very little, and you are awfully welcome to what I have.” “Thank you, Jim, but you know I couldn’t take any money. Besides, we don’t need it yet, but I am frightened at the amount we are spending.” “I didn’t mean--I mean you could pay it back if you wanted to.” Jim was very red. “I understand, Jim, but it isn’t necessary.” “I don’t see what’s gotten into John!” he ejaculated with feeling. “It isn’t John,” said Lucy, “it’s Mamma.” “Well, he ought to know----” Jim stopped speaking and glanced at Lucy. “Yes, Jim, but so had she.” Jim thought. “Do you know yet if she’s going to stay--permanently?” he inquired after a pause. “I don’t know, Jim. I shouldn’t be surprised. She talks sometimes as though she were eventually going to marry a Professor Walsh, back in Russellville. But I don’t know.” Jim smoked hard for a while. When he spoke again his voice was low. “Lucy, you know I would do anything in the world for you,” he said. “Anything,” he repeated vehemently. “Yes, Jim. You are the best friend that ever was.” Lucy smiled at him frankly. “But I don’t see just how you can help in anything else.” “I’d like to help,” he offered, almost wistfully. “You have,” she declared, still smiling. “I feel a lot better already.” “Do you, Lucy?” he asked eagerly. “Do I--do you--am I----” he stammered, growing red again.