the use of giving checks to hospitals and asylums and colleges, when
you don't know whether the cash goes right or wrong? I'm going to let
Molly here start a home-bureau to keep her from voting; a lump sum
every year to give away as she pleases. I'm strong for giving boys
college education. Smooths 'em out; gives them a start in life; that
is, if they are worth anything at the beginning. Like this: back the
boy and screw up his honor and interest by telling him that you expect
to be paid back when the time comes. There's no better charity in the
world than making a man of a boy, making him want to stand on his own
feet, independent. When you help inefficient people, you throw your
money away. What do you think of the idea?"

"A first-rate one. I'd like to come in."

"No; this is all my own and Molly's. But how'll I start her off?"

"Get an efficient young man to act as private secretary; a fairly good
accountant; no rich man's son, but some one who has had a chance to
observe life. Make him a buffer between Mrs. Killigrew and the whining
cheats. And above all, no young man who has social entrée to your
house. That kind of a private secretary is always a fizzle."

"Any one in mind?"

"No."

"I have," said Kitty, rising and going toward the companion-ladder to
the lower decks.

"What now?" demanded Killigrew.