I belong to the younger generation which you despise so--"

"I don't despise _you_, you dear--"

"Come," said Sharlee, springing up; "let's go down. I'm wild to meet Mr.
Bylash again. Is he wearing the moleskin vest to-night, do you know? I
was fascinated by it the last time I was here. Aunt Jennie, what is the
name of this young man--the one I may be compelled to bounce?"

"His name is Queed. Did you ever--?"

"Queed? _Queed_? Q-u-e-e-d?"

"An odd name, isn't it? There were no such people in my day."

"Probably after to-morrow there will be none such once more."

"Mr. Klinker has christened him the little Doctor--a hit at his
appearance and studious habits, you see--and even the servants have
taken it up."

"Aunt Jennie," said Sharlee at the door, "when you introduce the little
Doctor to me, refer to me as your business woman, won't you? Say 'This
is my niece, Miss Weyland, who looks after my business affairs for me,'
or something like that, will you? It will explain to him why I, a
comparative stranger, show such an interest in his financial affairs."

Mrs. Paynter said, "Certainly, my dear," and they went down, the older
lady disappearing toward the dining-room. In the parlor Sharlee was
greeted cordially and somewhat respectfully. Major Brooke, who appeared