"
"Thank you," Edith replied, taking his arm. "I do not object to an ice,
and I want to ask a favor. Haven't you some copying you can give a
_protegee_ of mine? She's a lovely girl, and she really writes very
nicely. I assure you she needs the work, or I wouldn't bother you."
They made their way into the hall before he answered. Then he asked,
with some seriousness,--
"Are you sure she is absolutely to be trusted?"
"Trusted? Why, of course. I'd trust her as absolutely as I would
myself."
"I asked because I do happen to have some copying I want done; but it
is of the most serious importance that it be kept secret. It is the
prospectus of a big business scheme, and if a hint of it got on the air
it would all be ruined."
Edith looked up into his face and smiled.
"Her name," she said, "is Melissa Blake, and you will find her--Or,
wait; what time shall I send her to your office to-morrow?"
Her companion smiled in turn. They had reached the door of the supper-
room, where the clatter of dishes, the popping of champagne corks, and
the rattle of silver were added to the babble of conversation which
filled the whole house. About the tables was going on a struggle which,
however well-bred, was at least sufficiently vigorous.
"You take a good deal for granted," he said. "However, it will do no
harm for me to see the young woman.
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