The girls opened their eyes wide, but Nan averted another avalanche of praise by producing the last article on her chair. She gave a deep sigh of satisfaction as she comprehended that Bert had bestowed upon her a set of photographs of the most famous pictures in the world; while Cathy sat down and gloated over her “Goethe Gallery,” and Evelyn smiled into the faces of her favorite authors. “I beg pardon, Bert,” said Nan, “for the vulgarity of admiring the setting as much as the gem,—but, girls, will you just observe the magnificence of these Japanese leather portfolios?” The girls observed with joy, and Evelyn said: “Considering how smart we have already shown ourselves to be, I venture to inquire, dear Bert, if you took the photographs yourself, or only tanned the leather?” “Neither,” laughed Bert; “I only _earned_ them with my inky fingers, so they are the first real presents I ever gave! And now let us sit down and admire one another.” “You would be more sensible to admire my _bouillon_,” suggested Evelyn, as she ordered in the cups containing the first course. So the merriment went on, through all the changes of Evelyn’s dainty banquet, while the girls compared notes on their various experiences. [Illustration: “BERT SEIZED UPON A BASKET TIED TO ONE OF THE CHAIRS.”] “Let us add up, subtract, and get our totals, both financially and spiritually,” said Bert. “Who’ll begin?—Ah, what delicious chicken croquettes these are, Evelyn!—Come, Nan! You are responsible for the whole social and moral revolution, you know; so lead off with your account.” “Nonsense,” replied that young woman; “if I hadn’t begun it, one of you would have fired our noble hearts,—for we should have died of inanition if we had lolled in the lap of luxury another week. So as you, Bert, scrambled down to the ground first, you should begin the reports. How is your exchequer?” “Low, very low; but my spirits are not, and what matters it therefore, so long as I’m happy?” answered the confidential clerk. “No, money isn’t everything, for I have a gain far better. I feel genuine; I respect Miss Me; and, best of all, I have found my father. So, Nannie dear, I thank you sincerely, for I never was so happy in my life. So much for my grand total, with a large deficit of _ennui_.” There was a general clicking of spoons in the after-dinner coffee-cups by way of applause, as Bert finished; and she at once demanded that Nan should next be heard. The young artist responded promptly: