“But how is a fellow going to prove he is a big man?” inquired the clerk, removing the cigar from his mouth.

“By doing whatever work in which he is engaged in a big way.  The man who says to himself ‘I’m too good for this job,’ but only says it, will probably have it for the rest of his life.  But the man who says ‘I’ll show my boss that I’m too good for it,’ and does his work in a way that proves it—­the feet of such a man are on the road that leads to the City of Big Things!”

Virginia, who had come near enough to overhear the last few words, stood listening, fascinated.

“The City of Big Things!” she echoed.

Stafford laughed.  Rising and turning to Virginia, He said courteously: 

“But we didn’t come here to talk business and such subjects as that.”  Changing the topic, he asked:  “Have you read any of the new books, Miss Blaine?”

“I’m afraid not,” she smiled.

“Virgie hasn’t had much time to read lately,” interrupted Fanny.

“Busy?” demanded their host.

“Well, it’s this way,” explained the elder sister, “we’ve had a lot of sewing to do, and three times in the last two weeks she’s taken me to the art galleries to look at the pictures.”

“Really!” exclaimed Stafford.

“Yes,” broke in Jimmie, with a grin, “one time they took me.  Some of the pictures were great, but I couldn’t stand for those milk chocolate Dutch women with the Mellen’s Food babies.  I like pictures with something doing in them for mine—­such as battles and sea pictures.”

The millionaire pointed towards the room beyond the salon.  He said: 

“If you are fond of paintings of battle scenes, I have two Meissoniers, which I think rather good.  They are in the library there—­”

“Can I see them?” demanded the clerk, anxious to pass for a connoisseur.

“Certainly,” replied his host.  Turning to Fanny, he added:  “There’s also a collection of fans.  I think it would interest you, too.”

“I am sure they will,” she smiled.  “Will you excuse us?”

“Certainly—­”

She went towards the library and at the threshold turned and called to her fiance, who was lingering behind.

“Coming, Jimmie?”

“Surest thing you know,” he grinned, rising to go and join her.  Stafford accompanied them as far as the library door.  Pointing all around, he said: 

“The books and the engravings will interest you.  You needn’t hurry.  Oku will let you know when dinner is served.”

“Very well,” smiled Fanny.  “You and Virginia please excuse us.  Jimmie and I will just browse in here for a while.”

CHAPTER IX

Glad of the opportunity which allowed him a few minutes alone with the girl whose personality had taken so strong a hold upon him, Stafford gently closed the door, and, returning quickly, took a seat near Virginia.