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148 genial employment for me. Mr. Farrar has called once to see me. Miss Tracy has to-day made me a most agreeable visit. Miss Chichester has done me the honor to call. Mr. Malleson has been here once before to offer me help, and has done it so courteously and sincerely that I am sure I may look upon him as my friend."

The eyes that she turned on Barry were soft and appealing. He had never seen another woman with such eyes as Mary Bradley's; what wonder that they entranced him? Unaccustomed to any of the social graces, she had bidden her guests to be seated, and sat among them with a modesty and self-confidence that would have done credit to a dweller on the borders of Fountain Park.

"Barry is so tender-hearted," said Miss Chichester, "and so easily touched by the sight of distress. He's really foolish about it."

"Indeed!" said Mary Bradley. "I didn't know."

"Why," stammered Barry, "it's only what we do for all our widows; I mean for all widows who became widows because their husbands were in our employ."

"Exactly," said Mrs. Bradley.

"And that reminds me," continued Barry, "that I've brought the check and voucher with me again, and if you'll sign the check and take the voucher I'll be glad to leave them."

"Barry means," broke in Miss Chichester again, "that you should sign the voucher and take the check, don't you, Barry?"

Without waiting for a reply she hurried on: "I hope you'll do it, Mrs. Bradley. Barry is very anxious to get it settled and off his mind. Aren't you, Barry?"

"I realize that I should have some consideration for Mr. Malleson's mind," replied Mrs. Bradley, "but really, I don't see how I can take this money with a good conscience. I understand," turning her eyes again on Barry and dissipating what little self-assur-