The color left Edith's face, and then it returned with greater strength. Her surprise showed only in her snapping eyes, for she held herself well in hand; but her mind was working fast. She was thankful enough that he had been so wrapped up in himself that he was oblivious to her mistake. "It would serve him right if I did marry him, to pay him back for this," was what her eyes said, but the words she spoke fitted well enough into Cosden's understanding. "Well, of course, eighteen years is a good deal--" "Just the proper handicap." Cosden repeated the phrase he had used in his discussion with Huntington. "Women grow old faster than men." Edith bit her lip to hold back the caustic reply which was almost spoken. He certainly was intent upon his purpose, but that did not excuse his lack of gallantry. His friend could give him points on that! The responsibility she had told Huntington she would assume became a real one! "Perhaps," she seemed to assent; "but of course it makes a difference who the girl is. If I knew her--" "You know her all right; it's Merry Thatcher." "Oh!" she exclaimed, as if the identity was a complete surprise. "Yes, you would have to plan your campaign pretty carefully with Merry. She is a girl with definite ideas of her own, and she might not be influenced by the fact that you always get what you go after." Cosden looked at her suspiciously. "Yes; I think I could help you," she added quickly. "I'd be mighty grateful if you would," Cosden said with obvious relief. "Now, let me see--" Edith proceeded carefully, but the way was clearing before her. "I think you will need to take quite a course of training," she laughed. "Are you prepared to do that?" "When I place myself in my doctor's hands I usually take his medicines." "All right; then we'll start in at once. I must ask you a lot of questions. Are you fond of athletics?" "Next to my business, it's my longest suit." "There is the first point of common interest. You are making a good start.--Are you fond of reading? "I like a good detective story." "How about Stevenson and Ibsen and Lafcadio Hearn?" "Not in mine, except 'Treasure Island' and 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.'" Edith pursed her lips. "Not so good on the second test, Mr. Cosden. How about opera?" "My favorites are 'Lohengrin' and the 'Merry Widow.'" "Horrors! That you must keep sacredly hidden from the dear girl. I've known her to go to the opera eight times in one week, and sigh for more. Of course you adore orchestral music?" "You'll have to score zeros against me on music, but perhaps I can come back strong in some other branches." She held up a finger chidingly. "You from Boston, and don't rave over your Symphony Orchestra! That is a real blow! I supposed every one in Boston went to the Symphony concerts just for the prestige, even though he couldn't tell whether the orchestra was playing or only tuning up." "You see I'm not trying to sail under false colors."