“Yes, indeed I do.  I could not help thinking how very ‘untwinly’ they are for twins.”

“Aren’t they?  But they are the dearest girls!  And they are going to have a new car.”

“Is that so?  Do you happen to know what kind?”

Paul assumed his professional air.

“I believe it has not been decided yet.  But they will most likely get it from the Whitehall Company.  Would you like to turn in the order?”

“It would be quite a help for me to be able to sell a car now, so soon after taking a place with them.  And the commission—­just as I am starting—­”

“I think I can manage it easily enough,” she said quickly.  “They are sure to consult Jack about it.  Couldn’t you come over to our house this evening, and—­”

Again she found herself stopping suddenly and blushing.  It was rather awkward to ask a young man to call, particularly when one has never been properly introduced to him.  If he were only acquainted with Jack, now . . .

Then Cora had a bright thought.

“You say you are acquainted with Walter Pennington?” she asked.

“Oh, yes.  Our folks and the Penningtons are old friends.”

“Then we must fix up a plan—­er—­to be perfectly proper.  Not that it makes any difference.  First I want to meet your sister.  After that I am going to give a small affair.  I have been putting it off for some time—­it’s a positive duty, but I’ve been so interested in my machine.  There—­I have it!  I think I’ll give an auto affair.”

“Great possibilities in it,” observed Paul.  “But please do not trouble yourself to get up one on account of myself or my sister, though I appreciate—­”

“Oh, no, indeed,” Cora hastened to explain.  “I am due to give one, anyhow, and it may as well be that.  I will be doubly interested if there should happen to be a matter of business for you involved in it.  The twins are in no great hurry about their car.  When you can meet them properly, and I will arrange it, I am sure they will give you the order.”

“That would be splendid.  I can’t thank you enough.”

“Wait until you get the order,” and she laughed, “Mother declares I have a positive faculty for business.”

“I rather agree with her,” said Paul with a smile, as his fair companion turned the machine into the main street of Chelton.  “I really feel unable to properly thank you for what you have done for me to-day—­”

“Now, please,” interrupted Cora.  “I was amply repaid in beating Sid Wilcox.  But I cannot understand why he wanted the position.  Even your explanation will hardly account for his extraordinary conduct.  Why should he want to run a car across country?”

“Well, it can’t be because he is short of funds,” said Paul frankly.  “I’m positive of that.  He took particular pains to display a roll of bills when he was in the auto office, and I think that did not favorably impress the manager, though I was practically sure of the place when he came in.”