"Oh," said the other, "then this layout is just for her to be
exhibited in."

"You may say that," answered Oliver,--"if you want to be foolish.
You know perfectly well that parents who launch their daughters in
Society don't figure on keeping up the pace all their lifetimes."

"We hadn't thought of marrying Alice off," said Montague.

To which his brother replied that the best physicians left all they
could to nature. "Suppose," said he, "that we just introduce her in
the right set, and turn her loose and let her enjoy herself--and
then cross the next bridge when we come to it?"

Montague sat with knitted brows, pondering.' He was beginning to see
a little daylight now. "Oliver," he asked suddenly, "are you sure
the stakes in this game aren't too big?"

"How do you mean?" asked the other.

"Will you be able to stay in until the show-down? Until either Alice
or myself begins to bring in some returns?"

"Never worry about that," said the other, with a laugh.

"But hadn't you better take me into your confidence?" Montague
persisted. "How many weeks can you pay our rent in this place? Have
you got the money to pay for all these clothes?"