Panting and flushed from the extraordinary exertion of climbing two flights of stairs, Elfie at last appeared, gorgeously gowned in the extreme style affected by ladies who contract alliances with wealthy gentlemen without the formality of going through a marriage ceremony. Her dress, of the latest fashion and the richest material, with dangling gold handbag and chatelaine, contrasted strangely with Laura's shabbiness and the general dinginess of Mrs. Farley's boarding-house. But the two girls were too glad to see each other to care about anything else. With little cries of delight, they fell into each other's arms. "Laura, you old dear!" exclaimed the newcomer in her customary explosive and vivacious manner. "I've just found out where you've been hiding, and came around to see you." "That's awfully good of you, Elfie. You're looking bully. How are you, dear?" "Fine." "Come in, and sit down. I haven't much to offer, but----" Laura was visibly embarrassed. Even her forced gayety and attempt at cordiality did not quite conceal her nervousness. It was the first time that Elfie had seen her living in such surroundings, and, in spite of her efforts to remain cool and self-possessed, her cheeks burned with humiliation. "Oh, never mind," said Elfie quickly. Her first glance had told her how matters stood, but she made no comment. Good-naturedly, she rattled on: It's such a grand day outside, and I've come around in my car to take you out. You know, I've got a new one, and it can go some. "I am sorry, but I can't go out this afternoon, Elfie." "What's the matter?" "You see, I'm staying home a good deal nowadays. I haven't been feeling very well, and I don't go out much." "I should think not. I haven't seen even a glimpse of you anywhere since you returned from Denver. I caught sight of you one day on Broadway, but couldn't get you--you dived into some office or other." Rising from her chair, for the first time she surveyed the room critically. Unable to contain herself any longer, she burst out explosively: "Gee! Whatever made you come into a dump like this? It's the limit!" Laura smiled uneasily. Going to the table, she said awkwardly: "Oh, I know it isn't pleasant, but it's my home, and, after all--a home's a home." Elfie shrugged her shoulders. "Looks more like a prison." Finding on the mantel a bit of stale candy, she popped it into her mouth from sheer force of habit. But it was no sooner in than, with an expression of disgust, she spat it out on the floor. Scornfully, she added: "Makes me think of the old days, the dairy kitchen and a hall bedroom," Laura sighed. "It's comfortable," she said wearily. "Not!" retorted Elfie saucily. Sitting on the bed, she jumped on the mattress as if trying it: "Say, is this here for effect, or do you sleep on it?" "I sleep on it," said Laura quietly. "No wonder you look tired," laughed her caller. "Say, listen, dearie, what else is the matter with you, anyway?"