"'Personal.--Young woman, thirty-one, good housekeeper, desires
acquaintance respectable middle-aged gentleman. Object,
matrimony. Address K. D. B., this office.'--Hum!" he commented,
"nothing equivocal about K. D. B.; has the heroism to call herself
young at thirty-one. I'll bet she IS a good housekeeper. Right
to the point. If K. D. B. don't see what she wants, she asks for
it."

"I wonder," mused Blix, "what kind of people they are who put
personals in the papers. K. D. B., for instance; who is she, and
what is she like?"

"They're not tough," Condy assured her. "I see 'em often down at
'The Times' office. They are usually a plain, matter-of-fact
sort, quite conscientious, you know; generally middle-aged--or
thirty-one; outgrown their youthful follies and illusions, and
want to settle down."

"Read some more," urged Blix. Condy went on.

"'Bachelor, good habits, twenty-five, affectionate disposition,
accomplishments, money, desires acquaintance pretty, refined girl.
Object, matrimony. McB., this office.'"

"No, I don't like McB.," said Blix. "He's too--ornamental,
somehow."

"He wouldn't do for K. D. B., would he?"