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 and Rosita, Phil realized with something of dismay; but not too late for mamma, as well as Ruby and Rosita, greatly to profit from their privileges of association with this girl, based upon his five hundred thousand dollar gross business.

"She is just the wife of this boy, whose papa had from me four hundred and forty-five thousand last year," Phil assured himself; and he considered, with increasing confidence, how much more important was his account to Rountree and Company this year.

Did this girl know it? Phil wondered. Had Jay Rountree told her who Phil Metten was? Unquestionably he had, Phil thought; and if he had not, it was no moment to bring up business. Not before ladies, at their first meeting. Besides, everybody was liking everybody else. Phil, catching mamma's eye, flushed with pride and his proprietary satisfaction in spreading before his wife and daughters such a social opportunity. Beyond even what he had boasted on Christmas morning, was this reception by the Rountrees.

Mamma drew beside him for a moment and, under his hand, Phil whispered instruction: "Pay for her lunch."

"Certainly," said mamma.

"Don't let her buy anything."

"Where are you going?" appealed mamma, in a bit of a panic.

"Mr. Rountree, how is your golf game?" inquired Phil boldly. "Shall we leave to themselves the ladies?"

Jay, looking back at his wife, moved off with Phil Metten, leaving to themselves the ladies. Eagerly Ruby and Rosita seized the offer to have Lida alone; and mamma,