Thornburg turned hurriedly to examine, and then to approve, the underline for a gorgeous poster of highly impressionistic design, which one of his employees had placed before him. When he turned to Baron again he presented the appearance of one who has lost the thread of a conversation. “We were saying--oh, yes. You’ve got enough of--of what’s her name. Well, what’s your impression of her, now that you’ve had time to look her over?” “I haven’t changed my mind at all. I like her.” “The family made a row?” Baron answered evasively. “It isn’t quite a question of liking. It’s something like trying to keep a canary in a suitcase, or putting a lamb or a kitten into harness.” Thornburg smiled. “Tell me just how she fails to square with the--the domestic virtues,” he said. “Her way of saying things--her views--she is so wholly unconventional,” said Baron haltingly. “She doesn’t stand in awe of her superiors. She expresses her ideas with--well, with perfect liberty. You know children aren’t supposed to be like that. At least my mother takes that view of the case.” He so plainly had little or no sympathy with the argument he made that Thornburg looked at him keenly. “I see. She scratches the paint off!” interpreted the manager. He smiled upon Baron exultingly. “You might put it so,” agreed Baron, to whom the words were highly offensive. What right had Thornburg to speak contemptuously of the things which his family--and their kind--represented? He proceeded coldly. “I understood that you felt some measure of responsibility. I thought perhaps you might be willing to take her, in case we decided it would be difficult for us to keep her.” The manager pretended not to note the aloofness of the other’s tone. “Now, if it were a matter of expense--” he began. “It isn’t. She doesn’t seem at home with us. I think that states the whole case.” “How could she feel at home in the short time she’s been with you?” “Then I might put it this way: She doesn’t seem congenial.” “Of course that’s different. That seems to leave me out, as near as I can see.” “You mean,” said Baron, “you wouldn’t care to assume the responsibility for her?” “Why should I?” demanded Thornburg bluntly. He glared at Baron resentfully. “You’re quite right, certainly. I seem to have had the impression----” “I have an idea she’s doing better with you than she would anywhere else, anyway,” continued Thornburg in milder tones. “Why not give her her place and make her stay in it? I can’t understand a family of grown people throwing up their hands to a baby!” “I merely wanted to get your views,” said Baron stiffly as he rose to go. “I didn’t care to send for the police until----”