"Then there is Polly and myself and Mrs. Courtney, for certain--and that makes four; with yourself, we are five!" exulted Eleanor, drawing forth another laugh. "Then it is settled, eh? We sail for the Orient without more ado, just as soon as your extensive business deals are done and you will need a long rest in order to recuperate for next year's work," chuckled Mr. Dalken. "If our two clients would postpone their decorating for a year, we might be able to start tomorrow," remarked Polly, smilingly. "But the clients are obdurate, especially when the decorators need payment and prestige to succeed in their profession. Besides, the owner of the yacht is not keen on sailing the seas in the middle of winter and then land in China in the wet season." "Yes, he is right," admitted Polly. "If we should really take such a trip, Dalky, what is the best time of the year to start?" asked Eleanor. "Well, we could leave New York in May or June, dawdle along the route until we reach Southern California. Those who cannot take time to go to Hawaii, can railroad themselves back home, and we can sail leisurely across the Pacific to visit the Hawaiian Islands. There again, those who cannot go on to the Orient with the decorators who need to study customs and periods in the Far East, may say good-by to us and watch us go west, while they go east back to business. "If we take our time, stopping at the Philippines on the way, we ought to do Japan and China and even the principal parts of India, in a few months. We can bid the East good-by about March and escape the unpleasant season there. By taking a direct route home we might reach New York in June. It all depends." "Oh, wouldn't it be wonderful! And all our dearest friends with us!" cried Polly, clasping her hands in ecstasy. "Dear, dear! If only Tom will let you go, Polly!" sighed Eleanor, mischievously. "Tom! What has Tom got to do with it?" demanded Polly. "Well, you know, he says you ought to consider his wishes more, since he is sure you are his soul-mate," teased Eleanor. "The sooner he finds out that I propose keeping my own soul in custody the better it will be for Tom!" declared Polly. "There, now! That doesn't sound much as if our Polly was deeply in love, does it, Dalky?" laughed Eleanor, clapping her hands. "I never thought she was! She was moved by compassion for Tom, to partly agree to consider his proposal. I knew she would not forfeit her profession for the doubtful result of conjugal bliss," remarked Mr. Dalken. "Hem--she's right!" asserted Mrs. Courtney. "When two people, as you and I are, are on hand to prevent our young friends from precipitating themselves into double harness before they have thoroughly studied their own minds and desires, we ought to succeed in the work because we speak from experience." "Yes," agreed Mr. Dalken, reminiscently; "I would never marry the finest woman on earth, after my first venture."