“Yes,” he responded, as he dragged a chair toward her, “I guess we’ve stirred the town up some; and, what’s more important, we’re reaping the harvest. Our circulation department has been doing a land-office business; our entire edition is completely sold out, and I’ve got a bunch of new subscriptions. Several ads have come in to-day, too. They’re only small ones, but they’re ready money. The outlook begins to look encouraging. And I owe it all to you, little girl. If it hadn’t been for your pluck and cleverness in getting those films away from----” “Hush!” she interrupted laughingly, putting her gloved hand over his mouth. “If you’re going to talk like that, Fred, I’m going right out. I thought I’d drop in to congratulate you, and tell you a piece of news--two pieces of news, in fact--but I won’t stay if you say another word in that strain.” “Well, it’s the truth,” he insisted, looking at her fondly. “Tell me how your uncle and cousin have been treating you since they found out how you beat them at their own game. I’ve been so anxious about you that I was just writing you a note.” “They didn’t say a word to me about it--not even a gentle reproach from either of them,” Melba answered. “That’s queer!” Carroll exclaimed in astonishment. “Can it be possible that they don’t know that it was you who got the films away from their photo-engraving room? If so, isn’t it highly imprudent of you to come here now, Melba? If they should learn about this visit, they might possibly put two and two together, you know.” “Oh, they must know of the trick I played them,” the girl declared. “They couldn’t help finding it out. The man up in their photo-engraving room knew me, and he must have told them what happened.” “And yet you say they didn’t raise a fuss?” Carroll’s tone was almost incredulous. “Not the slightest, Fred. Isn’t it odd? On the contrary, my uncle’s manner to me last night and this morning was unusually kind and gentle; and as for my cousin--well, that’s one of the startling items of news that I’ve come to tell you.” Melba laughed softly, “Would it be a shock to you, Freddie, to learn that you have a rival?” “A rival?” he repeated questioningly. “Yes; a rival in love. My cousin asked me to marry him last night, Fred.” “What!” Carroll was so astonished that he fairly shouted the monosyllable. “It’s a fact, Fred,” said Melba, smiling at his vehemence; “and he appeared to be very much in earnest, too.” “But I thought you told me the other day that he hated you?” Carroll reminded her. “He has always given me that impression. He and I never got along well together, even as children. He has never taken any pains to conceal his dislike for me. Since his return from New York, his attitude toward me has been particularly mean--until last night.” Carroll scowled. “Well, if that’s the case, what on earth made him propose to you?”