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 "If they try it in New York, we'll simply have to move—we're paying every cent for rent that we can spare—this minute."

"Who said anything about apartment-house rents?" demanded Mr. Larry. "This is an article on lofts and warehouses."

"Brute!" cried Mrs. Larry, glancing at Claire, who flushed furiously.

"I hope that gave you great satisfaction, Larry Hall," she said severely, even as she flung him a dazzling smile.

"Well, it accomplished its purpose—it checked an impending avalanche of colors, materials and hats. When two women begin to talk clothes, a man must use drastic measures, or silently steal away. Now, of course, if you like, I'll"

He half rose from his easy chair and fairly challenged Mrs. Larry with his glance.

"Indeed, you shan't go! We'll talk about anything that suits the tired business man, or start the Victrola, or go to see moving pictures"

They laughed together, these three who had come to have so many pleasant hours together. Claire Pierce had fallen into the habit of spend-