"Something wrong with the engine." He got out and worked for fifteen minutes. Ruth felt relieved when he closed down the hood. He got into the car and they started. They had not gone far when he stopped the engine again and remarked, "There is something wrong yet with the engine." "Oh, I wish I were an automobile mechanic for a little while so that I could know whether there is really anything wrong with that engine," thought Ruth. * * * * * Harold King's heart was singing a joyful melody as he went to the home of his friend, Ruth Babcock. He was happy because he had a chance at a big job. He felt more efficient because he was wearing a neat suit of clothes. There is a psychological value in clothes. A man who is poorly and shabbily clad may be ever so brilliant and honorable a man, but the shabby clothes detract from his confidence and power. When Harold reached the Babcock home he was met at the door by Aunt Clara who informed him that Miss Ruth had gone to Zala with Mr. Golter. She did not know when she would be back but presumed that it would be late, as it was a long drive to Zala, and Ruth had so many friends there that she would want to see. Harold was not in a pleasant frame of mind when he returned to his room. He threw himself down in a chair with a woe-begone look on his face. What a difference a half hour may make in one's spirits! How quickly the sunshine can vanish and darkness envelope us! Harold wondered whether or not Ruth really cared a great deal for Golter. He couldn't understand how a girl with the ideals and good sense that Ruth possessed could care very much for a snob like Golter. However, she must think a great deal of him when she broke her engagement with himself and went to another town with Golter. He would not let her know that he cared, except to show her he was independent. He would leave on the five o'clock train the next morning for the state capital. She wouldn't know of his chance for this good job nor would she see him in his new suit. Every man desires to appear well before the woman he admires. "She owes me an explanation, and I shall stay away from her until she makes it," he thought. He was not only disappointed but his pride was hurt as well. When Ruth reached home at 8:30 she was informed by her aunt that Mr. King had called. She went at once to the 'phone and called him up. "Mr. King? This is Ruth Babcock speaking. I am very sorry that I was not at home when you called." "If it will not inconvenience you I would like to have you come tonight." "No, it isn't too late." "I don't like to bother you if you are busy, but I would like very much to talk to you." "Of course if you don't want to come----" "I'll expect you in a few minutes."