"Sure," he agreed. "I laugh myself sick every time I give him a new stunt to do. That fellow has good points. One of these days he's going to have the smile on some one else. You can't keep a good man down." "Couldn't I help Mr. Jones, too?" asked the girl eagerly. Kelly stared at her in amazement. "No, it can't be done," he cried, emphatically. "Whoever heard of a woman trainer? You've had no experience anyway." Virginia blushed. "I didn't mean to help train him." She waxed indignant at the thought. "I only offered to do those things which I could do." "Oh--" Kelly was relieved--"go as far as you like. There is plenty of chance for all on that fellow. It would be dandy if you could work it to get him out of doors once in awhile." "Watch me," she promised. Mr. Jones reentered the room physically clean and mentally chastened but deep in gloom. He had forgotten that the darkest hour comes just before dawn. Yet, a private secretary must not allow his personal feelings to interfere with duty. He approached Virginia in what might be described as a graceful manner marred by lameness. "I regret the unfortunate occurrence which delayed me," he apologized. "If Miss Dale wishes to see her father--" A pair of blue eyes rested upon him in the kindest manner and a most attractive mouth said, "I know that my father is away today and that neither of you has much to do." Obadiah's official staff looked guilty. Virginia went on with enthusiasm. "We are going to give a concert this afternoon for the old ladies at the Lucinda Home. It will be lovely. A brass band--ice cream--Mr. Wilkins--" The high interest of the young man cooled slightly at the lawyer's name, regardless of the pleasing company in which he was mentioned. "Won't you both come? You could help me so much." "We can't get off," declared the practical Kelly. "Yes, you can. My father said that I could invite whom I pleased." She turned pleadingly to Mr. Jones. "You'll come and bring Mr. Kelly, won't you?" The victim of disaster was as one hypnotized by the charm of her presence. Before the wiles of women, his gallant soul became as putty. Mr. Jones stammered, he stuttered, he blushed--and from his lips came the whispered answer, "Yes, Ma'am." CHAPTER XI OLD HEARTS MADE YOUNG Nature left nothing to be desired in the weather as the hour approached for the concert at the Lucinda Home. Over the closely shaven lawn and beneath the shade of the trees lay the tranquillity of a summer's afternoon. This was disturbed, shortly after lunch, by the roaring of the Dale car as it rushed up the curving driveway to the main building. It was driven by Ike, and Serena sat beside him in the purity of apparel, freshly laundered and starched. But, even at this hour, the aged ladies had retired to their apartments to make ready for the gaieties of the late afternoon.