What led me to ask was Miss Necia--she is so--well--she is such a remarkable girl." Gale's face had undergone a change, but he answered, quietly: "I 'ain't never been married." "What ?" "When I took Alluna it wasn't the style, and neither one of us has thought much about it since." "Oh, I see," exclaimed Burrell, hurriedly.

"I'll bring that list with me the first time I think about it," and, nodding amiably, he sauntered out.

But his mind was in a whirl, and even after he had reached his quarters he found himself repeating: "The other was bad enough.

Poor little girl! Poor little girl!" Gale likewise left the store and went into his house, the odd look still strong in his eyes, to find Necia posing in her new regalia for Poleon's benefit.

At sight of her he fell into a strange and unexpected humor, and to their amazement commanded her roughly to take the things off.