plumpness. Instantly, he was all contrition over his unwitting
offense inflicted on her womanly vanity.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Sadie," he exclaimed penitently. "Please don't be
really angry with me. Of course, I didn't mean----"

"To twit on facts!" the secretary interrupted, bitterly.

"Pooh!" Dick cried, craftily. "You aren't plump enough to be
sensitive about it. Why, you're just right." There was
something very boyish about his manner, as he caught at the
girl's arm. A memory of the days when she had cuddled him caused
him to speak warmly, forgetting the presence of his father.
"Now, don't be angry, Sadie. Just give me a little kiss, as you
used to do." He swept her into his arms, and his lips met hers
in a hearty caress. "There!" he cried. "Just to show there's no
ill feeling."

The girl was completely mollified, though in much embarrassment.

"Why, Mr. Dick!" she stammered, in confusion. "Why, Mr. Dick!"

Gilder, who had watched the scene in great astonishment, now
interposed to end it.

"Stop, Dick!" he commanded, crisply. "You are actually making
Sarah blush. I think that's about enough, son."

But a sudden unaccustomed gust of affection swirled in the breast
of the lad. Plain Anglo-Saxon as he was, with all that implies