“I will not detain him long, Miss Fuller,” Ethel said, pale but firm. “I have neither time nor inclination to go to lunch with you--and Mr. Copley. She dismissed the latter with a curt nod, and he strolled down to the car, grumbling, while Barton, a little vexed, took his place beside the girl who he acknowledged was so capable an assistant in the factory office. “I am sorry to interfere in any way with your affairs, Mr. Barton,” Ethel hastened to say. “Had I not believed the occasion serious----” “Serious for me?” he asked quickly, eyeing her curiously. “Serious to the Hapwood-Diller Company,” she replied stiffly. “Of course I have a double interest in the welfare of the company. My mother’s income depends upon its profits.” “I know that your mother holds some of our stock,” he said patiently. “Therefore my particular interest may perhaps be excused.” Ethel could not help saying this, if it was a mite catty. She could not feel in any angelic mood at the moment. “In addition, Mr. Barton, you asked me to keep a watchful eye on things in the office.” “I did,” he said with gentleness. She flushed more deeply. It was plain that he was quite aware she had been hurt by Miss Fuller’s manner; and that but increased Ethel’s vexation. As though it really mattered what Helen Fuller did or said! He noted the flush and looked disturbed. “Are you not feeling well?” he asked kindly. “Oh, yes, I am perfectly well,” she returned quickly. “You look as if you might have a headache, or something like that.” “It wouldn’t matter if I did have,” she replied, not knowing what else to say. “Oh, yes, it would. I don’t want you to work if you are not well.” “Here is the situation,” and she rushed on to state the matter of the Bogata order with her usual brisk explicitness. Barton now gave close attention, and his changing expression betrayed the value he put upon her story. At its conclusion he demanded: “But what’s the matter with Jim? He must know that we all agreed those people were not to be trusted.” “He did not agree to that, it is evident,” Ethel said dryly. “In fact, his remembrance seems to be hazy regarding the whole matter. Seems to think you would have spoken to him about it again had you not intended to accept the order.” Barton made an impatient gesture. “That’s Jim all over. Stubborn as a mule!” he exclaimed. “And yet that very stubbornness makes him of value in many circumstances.” It was plain he had no real suspicion of Mayberry. And Ethel was determined not to put forward just at that time her own belief in the superintendent’s treachery. “And what have you done about the matter before coming to me?” Barton asked with a curiosity that Ethel thought she understood. He was not at all sure whether she had the initiative to balk this thing which she believed was all wrong. “Something wholly feminine, I fear,” she replied, and told him of the accident to the order addressed to the factory supply people.