She had played her first strong card and was wise enough to break off and open her vanity-box, while Gita strode over to the window and stared moodily at the calm old oak on the lawn. “I needn’t go into that crowd either.” Gita broke the silence after Polly had powdered her nose and lit another cigarette. “Oh? Sure? You forget you’ve learned what companionship means, and I doubt if you could do without it. Eustace must have taught that hungry mind of yours a few things. Hasn’t he?” “Well, according to your own account, I’d not find any of his sort in your set.” “But I have a plan, if you’ll sit down and look at me. A real inspiration. Eustace is the only man I happen to know in that crowd; he’s a second or third cousin and mother used to visit his mother in Albany. I’ll take him on as a partner to make our house interesting to you. He’ll bring as many of his friends to us as he thinks worthy the honor of meeting you, and will give parties at his rooms, hand-picked. That way you’ll have the cream of both worlds and can enjoy yourself without wondering what will come next. I shan’t object a bit, myself, for novelty is the only thing to live for; and as for mother, she adores Eustace and wouldn’t mind a bit if I married him——” “Why don’t you? You intend to marry some day and I should think he’d be more tolerable than most. He’s a gentleman, has plenty of money, and an occupation that would keep him out of your way most of the time.” “I believe in mixed colors if not in mixed races. A brunette for mine. Not dark enough to be greasy, but a nice pale brown or olive. A man as blond as I am would make my skin crawl. Now, if you were to marry Eustace that would settle our problem nicely.” Gita deigned no answer. “Not for a year or two, really. I want you to find out what it is to be a girl first. But isn’t mine the perfect plan?” “It sounds better than it may work out.” “It appeals to you and you can’t deny it. And that brings us back to the main point. You must have a companion.” “That I won’t.” “Your voice has lost its emphasis. You know that you must. There’s an aunt of mother’s, poor but proud, who’s living on a dog’s income. She’s a perfect lady, wears caps, and takes nice little mincing steps——” “Good lord!” “Well, how about Mrs. Brewster?” She tightened the corners of her lips as Gita dropped into a chair and stared at her. “Elsie! What an idea!” “Fine idea. She would do for the rest of the year, and you’re coming to us in January.” “Elsie? She’s about the only person I could live with.” “Quite so. Think it over.” “But—if she’d come.” “She will when I put it up to her. I’ve only met her twice; once here, and the other night at a dinner Eustace gave, but she made me wish I knew her better. I’d like an excuse to call on her and if you say the word I’ll tackle her today.” “She can’t work anywhere but in her study.”