"No," she started to turn away, "I'll have to put it off again, I
suppose. I've looked everywhere."

She took a step or two, hesitated, then returned to the desk.

"You're positive there isn't a single one of the small rooms left?" she
pleaded. "I wouldn't care how far back it was, - anything would do. You
can't think how I hate to give up. I had so hoped to finish it this
time!"

The man shook his head.

"No, we're absolutely full just now. Later on there might be something,
- after the season is over."

"But that will be after school begins," answered the girl bitterly. "I
can't work at all then!" and catching up a bag fully as shabby as the
hat, she hurried away.

"Who is she?" asked Blair abruptly, overlooking for the moment his
original purpose in seeking the man.

"School-teacher from Pasadena," replied the clerk briefly. "Teaches art
in some private school over there, I believe." He eyed Blair amusedly.
"Think you've met her before somewhere?"

Blair allowed his annoyance to show. "No, never laid eyes on her till
just now. But I couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for her," he
persisted. "She seemed so sort of cut up. What's the trouble?"