"Would you mind, Mr. Wilkins--" she gave the lawyer an appealing glance after some moments of consideration--"if I talked with Mr. Curtis about it?" This request appeared to require deep thought, judging from the seriousness of Hezekiah's face for a few moments. Then it lightened as he decided, "I can see no objection to your talking to Mr. Curtis." The attorney's manner became cheery and hopeful. "Now, if you two could arrive at a friendly settlement, it might be a most satisfactory arrangement." Hezekiah slapped his palms together and squeezed his own fingers as if shaking hands with himself at the successful outcome of his benevolent moves. Then he chuckled softly and went on, "Let's see what kind of an adjustment you two youngsters can make. If I can approve it, I will be glad to submit it to your father." "I will see him as soon as I can, Mr. Wilkins. I can't go to the hospital this afternoon." Virginia's manner became very dignified, as she continued, "I am giving a concert, at the Lucinda Home." "Delightful." Hezekiah bowed low at the news. "I can see Mr. Curtis in the morning." "That will be quite time enough. Don't inconvenience yourself, Virginia." Hezekiah smiled as they arose. "Mr. Wilkins, won't you come to my concert?" asked Virginia, shyly. "It would be a pleasure, indeed, but, business first, you know." He waved his hands, palms upward, as if protesting the lowness of his profit. "My father said that I might tell you that he would be glad if you could arrange to come. He is out of town." "Oh, in that case--" Hezekiah's manner was courtly--"I deem myself highly privileged in accepting your invitation." As Virginia left Hezekiah's office, she found herself facing the open door of her father's suite. Through it Mr. Jones was visible at his desk, improving his mind in Obadiah's absence by reading a refined story by a polished author concerning genteel people. Mr. Jones needed physical rest and mental recreation. Upon the previous evening, Mike Kelly had seized his person and regardless of vigorous protests had put him through such a series of calisthenics, runnings, jumpings and rubbings that the particular soreness of each bone and muscle had merged into one great and common ache. At the opening of Hezekiah's door, Mr. Jones raised his eyes and, consequently, his head. A wave of pain swept his muscles. He grimaced frightfully. It was upon this distorted countenance that Virginia gazed. The terrifying effect of the face held the girl for a second, but believing it occasioned by grievous illness she hastened to the aid of the stricken one.