"It isn't too high a price to pay for beauty--beauty, 'the fading rainbow's pride.' We men should thank Heaven for women's courage in pursuing it. It is all that makes this world an attractive dwelling place for nice people." "Sometimes I think it's kind of wicked to spend so much time and money that way, but--I guess it's all right. I want to look as good as other people." "I'm in a mood for quotations. 'Is beauty vain because it will fade? Then are earth's green robe and heaven's light vain.' Pride, even vanity, is less of a vice than slovenliness, my dear. Now then, do you like Mrs. Ring?" Allie nodded. "I like her, but--I hate her. She makes me feel awful mad because she can't understand that I ain't--I am not mad at her, but at myself. I don't hardly know how to explain it. If I was her I'd hate me, like I do." "Would you like to have her remain?" "Oh, I would! She knows everything, and she makes me learn. But she won't stay. I just found out that she's been quitting every few weeks, and Pa's been raising her wages. No, the disgrace, and our being thrown out--" "My dear girl, let me assure you, once for all, there is no suggestion of disgrace about this affair. You behaved with spirit, and those who have heard about it admire you. I have talked with a number of them, and I know. I had a talk with Mrs. Ring also, and she will remain if you wish her to do so." "You're a--a good man, ain't--" "Aren't!" "--aren't you, Mr. Gray? You fix everything." "Not a good, but a convenient man. My specialty is making things easier for my friends." "Are these other folks, these rich ones around the hotel, like you?" "Oh, much nicer than I!" Gray laughed. "You must meet some of them." Allie's face whitened at this suggestion. "Please, sir--I'm scared!" "Very well. As you wish. Tell me, what are you going to do with me this afternoon?" "I dunno!" Allie looked blank. "I don't do anything but study. I s'pose I got to study." "Nothing of the sort. You have circles under your eyes now from overwork, and this is your vacation. I am a visitor, a restless visitor; I abhor being asked to make myself at home, and I never do. I demand amusement. Do you know what I'd like to do best of all?" Allie did not know. "I'd like to sit here and smoke while you show me all your pretty dresses. Ah! Those dark eyes brighten. You're dying to show them to me, aren't you?" "_Would_ you? Honest?" "Cross my heart. But remember, I have a color sense and I'm not easily pleased. I'll probably condemn some of them." Allie breathed deeply. "Oh, Gee!" she said. "Run along and try them on, then I'll borrow a pair of puttees and we'll go for a ride."