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 conducting this—this dolled-up dive that's kept me there, you're crazy, that's all. My education's finished, and so, Mrs. Hamill, is your professional career! Absolutely done with. Canceled. Blotto."

"I won't argue"

"You better not, lady!"

"I won't argue," repeated Mrs. Hamill, unheeding. "I suppose I should, but I'm too sleepy. As far as my 'professional career' is concerned, I'll be glad enough to have that over. It never was as much fun as I thought it would be—I'd rather play myself than minister to other players—besides, I was on the point of giving it up, anyway. Of course, there isn't an atom of sense in your leaving college now with only a few months to go, but on the other hand I don't know that there's any particular sense in your staying—though there's money enough in the bank to keep you there indefinitely without my lifting a finger, if that's what bothers you. I'll let you make your own decision. If you honestly think you will never miss that A.B. after your name, I'm satisfied."

"Check!" exclaimed Jock, and rising went to pump his mother's hand with vigor. "The eighth wonder of the world—a reasonable woman!"

This little ceremony was followed by a pause. Mrs. Hamill, looking up, saw that Jock's face was solemn again and that his trouble-darkened eyes were fixed on space. At length she interrogated him. "Yes, dearest?"

"Oh, I was just thinking"

He did not reveal to her all that he had been thinking. It involved herself, but more definitely it involved Yvonne and things about Yvonne that could not now nor at any time bear revelation. He said merely, "It's funny about money. The things people