"Why, I thought you were lying down, Kathleen; you said that you were too tired to come in later to our club meeting and hear Senator Foster's address on 'Peace,'" she exclaimed, and not waiting for an answer, turned to Whitney. "Can you spare me a moment, Winslow? I wish your advice," and with a quick tilt of her head she indicated the small reception room on the left of the front door. "Come in here." "Certainly, Minna. Don't wait for me, Kathleen," but the girl paused irresolutely. "Shall I go to the studio?" she asked. "No, you cannot get in; the door is locked. Go to your sitting-room and I'll stop for you on the way to the studio." "Honest Injun, Dad?" And her father, nodding vigorous assent, watched her go up the stairs, then with a brisk step entered the reception room. "How charming you look, Minna!" he exclaimed, in honest admiration. "You think so?" and Mrs. Whitney dimpled with pleasure. "I do want to win the election tonight--and clothes count for so much in woman's politics." "I back you to win against all comers," and Whitney gave her shapely shoulder a loving pat as he stooped to kiss her. "What is the matter with Kathleen tonight? Her behavior troubles me." His wife laughed softly. "She is suffering from an old complaint--she is in love." "What!" Whitney stared at her in blank astonishment. "With whom?" and sudden, sharp anxiety lay behind the abrupt question. "I suspect--Captain Miller." "Miller? That silent--" Whitney checked his impetuous words. "Miller? Good Lord!" "What can you tell me about Captain Miller?" Her feminine curiosity was instantly aroused at his quick change of expression. "Just what I have seen of him and nothing more. He never talks of himself." "Such a relief," sighed Mrs. Whitney. "There is Randall Foster--talks always of his own achievements. Wait until Kiametia Grey marries him. I sometimes wonder...." "I can't see that we are directly concerned with that romance," broke in Whitney with characteristic impatience. "What's your opinion of Miller?" "I rather like him; he's very agreeable, good-looking, and seems to have plenty of money...." "Then you...." "Favor his suit? Yes," tranquilly. "But, heavens, Minna, you know nothing about Captain Miller's past." "You can inquire about it; in fact, I think it is your duty to do so. He calls here entirely too frequently not to be asked his intentions." "What the--" Whitney reddened angrily and his voice rose. "A nice task you put before me. I dis--" "Sh!" Rising hurriedly, Mrs. Whitney laid a warning hand on his arm. "There's the bell, and this room is needed for the cloaks. Where is Julie?"