"I knew that my brother had left the house, since I saw him go. I took
it for granted that all his employees left when he did. Let me assure
you, once and for all, that your habits are of no possible interest to
me."

Taylor put on his hat and went to the door. Just as he was about to open
it, he changed his mind and came back to the table where Nora had seated
herself and stood leaning on the back of his chair looking down at her.

"It's all right for us to row," he said, "but if I were you I'd go a
little easy with Gertie. She's all right and a good sort at bottom, you
can take it from me. Yesterday, I admit she was downright nasty. I guess
you rile her up more than she's used to. But I want to see you two get
on."

"It's my turn to feel flattered," said Nora sarcastically.

"Well, so long," he said with undiminished good humor as he went out.

Gertie appeared almost at once from the pantry.

"I heard what he said. I couldn't help it. He was right--about us both.
We don't hit it off. But I'm willing to give it another try."

"I have little choice but to agree with you," said Nora bitterly.

"Well, that's hardly the way to begin," retorted Gertie angrily.

There was a certain air of restraint about them ail when they came in to
dinner. Eddie looked both worried and anxious. But as he saw that the