considered odd under the circumstances, though neither said so and nobody thought to explain. But the morning of the third day "Miss Folsom"--as the veteran was amazed to hear his daughter addressed, yet on reflection concluded that he'd be tempted to kick any man who addressed her otherwise--seized a favorable opportunity and whisked her fond father into a corner of his library, and there gave him to understand that in Eastern circles the housekeeper might sometimes, perhaps, accompany the young ladies when they were going shopping, or the like, alone, but that when escorted by papa it was quite unnecessary. It was in fact not at all conventional. "Bless my soul!" said Folsom. "I supposed that was what she was for. What did these women mean by telling me I must have a, companion--a guide--etc.?" "They meant, you blessed Daddy, that they wished to provide you with--one of their number, and me--with something I do not want. If Mrs. Fletcher is to be housekeeper I have nothing to say, but--don't you think your big daughter old enough and wise enough to select her own companions? Daddy dear," she continued, after a little pause, and nestling close to him with a pathetic look in the big brown eyes, her lips twitching a bit, "I know how loving and thoughtful you have been in all this, and I wouldn't have you think me ungrateful, but--did you believe I was always going to be a little girl? What do you suppose I studied housekeeping for at school? Mrs. Fletcher is engaged, I presume, and I can't ask you to undo that now, but I wish you had written to me first. However, if you don't mind, there's somebody I'd rather you would invite to take the fourth seat to-day, and then you can have Pappoose beside you, if you wish." "Why, of course, sweetheart, any one you like." "Lieutenant Loomis, then, Daddy--the officer we met on the train. Jessie likes him and he's such a friend of her brother--the only one we have yet seen who seems to know him at all. Then you could ask him to dinner, too." Folsom's face was a study. Doubt and perplexity both were twitching in the little muscles about his lips. "We met three officers, did we not, Elinor, and I had thought--somewhat of--asking the major and his guest. He said he wished to call. He was here while we were driving yesterday. I met him later." "Yes, I saw his card," was the hurried, indifferent answer. "But they are not like Mr. Loomis. Daddy, I did not at all like that Captain Newhall, or--for that matter----" "They both seemed prodigiously struck with you," said Folsom, in misguided confidence yet pardonable pride. "They've done, nothing but talk to me about you ever since."