“What I thought was, I'd ask my father to back you to the extent of a trip there. He saw your performance and liked it a lot.”

“Oh, Lanny!” The girl caught her breath. “Oh, I couldn't let you do that!”

“It wouldn't break him.”

“I know — but I haven't the right — ”

“You can call it a loan. Anybody starting in business borrows money and pays it back out of his earnings. You surely won't fail to earn something; and it would make me happy if I could help you.”

“Oh, Lanny, what a darling you are!”

“You'll do it, then?”

“How could I say no?”

“I haven't asked him, you understand; but he's never refused to do anything within reason.”

“Lanny, I'll work so hard — I'll have one reason more for making good!”