"In the hands of my enemy," he protested. "Bea left a hundred and one things to be seen to. My sister has sprained her ankle and is out of the running. It's the apartment that causes the trouble--Bea has sent letter after letter telling what she wants us to do. I thought everything was all set before she went away but--here!" He drew out violet notepaper and handed it over. "Sorry to bother you, but when that girl gets home and settled I hope she'll be able to tend to her own affairs and leave us in peace. I guess you understand how women are about settling a new house." Reluctantly Mary deciphered the slanting, curlicue handwriting, which said in part: Now, papa dear, I'm terribly worried about the painted Chinese wall panels for the little salon. They are likely to be the wrong design. Jill has written that hers were. So please get the man to give you a guarantee that he will correct any mistakes. I want you to go to Brayton's and get white-and-gold jars that will look well in the dining room--Brayton knows my tastes. Besides this, he is to have two rose pots of old Wheldon ware for me--they will contain electrically lighted flowers--like old-fashioned bouquets. I wish you and aunty would drive out to the arts-and-crafts shop and bid on the red lacquer cabinet and the French clock that is in stock; I am sure no one has bought them. I could not decide whether I wanted them or not until now, and I must have them. They will tone in beautifully with the rugs. Mary turned the page: Also, Aunt Belle has not answered my letter asking her to order the monogrammed stationery--four sizes, please, ashes of roses shade and lined with gold tissue. I also told Aunt Belle to see about relining my mink cape and muff. I shall wish to wear it very early in the season, and I want something in a smart striped effect with a pleated frill for the muff. And the little house for Monster completely slipped my mind--Aunt Belle knows about it--with a wind-harp sort of thing at one side and funny pictures painted on the outside. I have changed my mind about the colour scheme for the breakfast nook--I am going to have light gray, almost a silver, and I would like some good pewter things. It seems to me I shall never be rested. Steve wants to see every sunrise and explore every trail. We have met quite nice people and the dancing at the hotels is lovely. Oh, yes, if you need any help I know Miss Faithful will be glad to help, and Gaylord has ripping ideas. Loads of love to you, dear papa. Your own BEA. Mary returned the letter without comment. "Will you help me?" Constantine demanded almost piteously. "Belle's out of the running, you know." "I'm cleaning my own house," Mary began, looking at the surrounding disorder, "but I can run up to the apartment with you and see what must be done; though it seems to me----"