“I understand....  How splendid—­not to practice sociology on them, but to teach it to them—­”

“But could we get the boys?”

She felt that the unconsciousness with which he took her into partnership was one of the finest compliments that had ever been paid her.

“Oh, I think so!  The Department has all sorts of connections, as well as lots of data which would be useful in that way.  How Mr. Dayne will welcome you as an ally!  And I, too.  I think it is fine of you, Mr. Queed, so generous and kind, to—­”

“Not at all!  Not in the least!  I beg you,” he interrupted, irritably, “not to go on misunderstanding me.  I propose this simply as an adjunct to my own work.  It is simply in the nature of a laboratory exercise.  In five years the experiment might enable me to check up some of my own conclusions, and so prove very valuable to me.”

“In the meantime the experiment will have done a great deal for a certain number of poor boys—­unfortunates on your doorstep....”

“That,” he said shortly, “is as it may be.  But—­”

“Mr. Queed,” said Sharlee, “why are you honest in every way but one?  Why won’t you admit that you have thought of this school because you would like to do something to help in the life of this town?”

“Because I am not doing anything of the sort!  Why will you harp on that one string?  Good heavens!  Aren’t you yourself the author of the sentiment that a sociologist ought to have some first-hand knowledge of the problems of society?”

Standing, he gazed down at her, frowning insistently, bent upon staring her out of countenance; and she looked up at him with a Didymus smile which slowly grew.  Presently his eyes fell.

“I cannot undertake,” he said, in his stiffest way, “to analyze all my motives at all times for your satisfaction.  They have nothing whatever to do with the present matter.  The sole point up for discussion is the practical question of getting such a school started.  Keep it in mind, will you?  Give some thought as to ways and means.  Your experience with the Department should be helpful to me in getting the plan launched.”

“Certainly I will.  If you don’t object, I’ll talk with Mr. Dayne about it, too.  He—­”

“All right.  I don’t object.  Well, good-night.”

Sharlee rose and held out her hand.  His expression, as he took and shook it, suddenly changed.

“I suppose you think I have acquired the habit,” he said, with an abrupt recurrence of his embarrassment, “of coming to you for counsel and assistance?”

“Well, why shouldn’t you?” she answered seriously.  “I have had the opportunity and the time to learn some things—­”

“You can’t dismiss your kindness so easily as that.”

“Oh, I don’t think I have been particularly kind.”

“Yes, you have.  I admit that.  You have.”

He took the conversation with such painful seriousness that she was glad to lighten it with a smile.