Cochran agreed heartily.

"You might even," suggested Herbert, "leave one or two of them
about. You have so many of Aline already that one more wouldn't
be noticed. Then when I drop in I could see it." He smiled
ingratiatingly.

"But those I have I bought," Cochran pointed out. "Anybody can
buy them, but yours are personal. And they're signed."

"No one will notice that but me," protested Herbert. "Just one or
two," he coaxed-"stuck round among the others. They'd give me a
heap of melancholy pleasure."

Charles shook his head doubtfully.

"Your wife often comes here with you," he said. "I don't believe
they'd give her melancholy pleasure. The question is, are you married
to Sally or to Aline Proctor?"

"Oh, of course," exclaimed Herbert--" if you refuse!"

With suspicious haste Charles surrendered.

"I don't refuse," he explained; "I only ask if it's wise. Sally
knows you were once very fond of Miss Proctor--knows you were
engaged to her."

"But," protested Herbert, "Sally sees your photographs of Aline.
What difference can a few more make? After she's seen a dozen