"Probably that's why we keep missing each other, Penny. I've pinned my flag
to the principle of economic independence. You're looking for a girl who
will marry for a living. There are lots of them. Pretty, attractive girls,
too. Your difficulty is, you want that sort. You really believe all girls
are that sort at heart, and you think my independence a fad--something I
shall get over. Don't you, now?"

"Well, I'll confess I can't see it as the normal thing. Yes, I believe--I
hope--you will get over it."

"Well--" Miss Sheridan slammed her book shut and stood up--"I won't."

She stepped to the door.

"And the agreement stands. I want to keep on working. And I want to keep on
being fond of you. That agreement is necessary to both desires." She opened
the door, hesitated and a hint of mischief flashed across her face.
"I'll tell you just the person for you, Penny. Really. Marriage is her
profession. She's very experienced. Temporarily out of a job--Alys
Brewster-Smith."

He snatched a carnation from the glass on his desk and threw it at her. It
struck a closed door.

* * * * *

The outer door opened just then, and Mr. Martin Jaffry stepped in. He
nodded, with his little quizzical smile, to the composed young woman who
stood within the railing.