“You’ve got a big future,” Mrs. Torrence remarked later. “Nothing’s going to spoil it. But socially, walk softly. This is a city of illusions. It’s the fashion to pretend that everybody’s awfully good. Of course everybody isn’t! But it’s better to fall in with the idea. I’m just giving you the hint. Take Franklin Mills for your model. Always know the right people and do the right thing. There’s a man who never sinned in all his life. You’re lucky to have caught his eye so soon! I saw him watching you tonight--with approval, I mean. He’s a man of power. I advise you to cultivate him a little.” “Oh, my knowing him is just a matter of chance,” Bruce replied indifferently. “He’s the most interesting man in town and all the more so because he’s puzzling--not all on the surface. An unusual person. And to think he has a daughter like Leila and a son like Shep! I love them both; they’re so unlike him! You wouldn’t know them for the same breed. One couldn’t love _him_, you know; he’s far too selfish and self-satisfied for that!” CHAPTER TWELVE I As Bruce was driving past the Mills’s residence one evening several weeks later, Carroll hailed him. Mills, it appeared, had driven out with Carroll and the limousine waited at the curb to carry the secretary on home. Carroll asked Bruce whether he would go with him to a lecture at the art institute the following night; a famous painter was to speak and it promised to be an interesting occasion. Mills lingered while the young men arranged to meet at the club for dinner before the lecture, and Bruce was about to climb back into his car when Mills said detainingly: “Storrs, won’t you have pity on me? Carroll’s just refused to dine with me. My daughter’s going out and there’s just myself. Do you think you could stand it?” “The soil of the day is upon me!” said Bruce. “But----” He very much wished to refuse, but the invitation was cordially given, and taken by surprise, he was without a valid excuse for declining. “You don’t need to dress and you may leave the moment you’re bored,” said Mills amiably. “Sorry, but I’ve got to run,” said Carroll. “I’ll send your car right back, Mr. Mills. Thank you. I envy you two your quiet evening!” Mills led the way upstairs, opened the door of one of the bedrooms and turned on the lights. “The room’s supposed to be in order--it’s my son’s old room. Ring if you don’t find what you want.” Bruce closed the door and stared about him.