"We've lived all over," she answered. "Papa used to live here in this
town, but that was before I was born."

"What do you keep moving around so for? Is he a promoter?"

"No. He's an inventor."

"What's he invented?"

"Just lately," said Lucy, "he's been working on a new kind of
horseless carriage."

"Well, I'm sorry for him," George said, in no unkindly spirit. "Those
things are never going to amount to anything. People aren't going to
spend their lives lying on their backs in the road and letting grease
drip in their faces. Horseless carriages are pretty much a failure,
and your father better not waste his time on 'em."

"Papa'd be so grateful," she returned, "if he could have your advice."

Instantly George's face became flushed. "I don't know that I've done
anything to be insulted for!" he said. "I don't see that what I said
was particularly fresh."

"No, indeed!"

"Then what do you--"

She laughed gaily. "I don't! And I don't mind your being such a