d as heavenly manna. It was but dire
necessity that forced low the bars of social caste to the transoceanic
traffic between fortune and title.

That Mrs. Hawley-Crowles might ever aspire to the purchase of a
decrepit dukedom had never entered her thought. A tottering earldom
was likewise beyond her purchasing power. She had contented herself
that Carmen should some day barter her rare culture, her charm, and
her unrivaled beauty, for the more lowly title of an impecunious count
or baron. But to what heights of ecstasy did her little soul rise when
the young Duke of Altern made it known to her that he would honor her
beautiful ward with his own glorious name--in exchange for La Libertad
and other good and valuable considerations, receipt of which would be
duly acknowledged.

"I--aw--have spoken to her, ye know, Mrs. Hawley-Crowles," that worthy
young cad announced one afternoon, as he sat alone with the successful
society leader in the warm glow of her living room. "And--bah Jove!
she said we were engaged, ye know--really! Said we were awfully good
friends, ye know, and all that. 'Pon my word! she said she loved me."
For Reginald had done much thinking of late--and his creditors were
restless.

"Why, you don't mean it!" cried the overpowered Mrs. Hawley-Crowles,
beaming like a full-blown sunflower.

"But I do, really! Only--ye know, she'll have to be--coached a bit, ye
know--told who we are--our ancestral history, and all that. You know
what I mean, eh?"

"Of course--you dear boy! Why, she just couldn't help loving you!"

"No--aw--no, of course--that is--aw--she has excellent
prospects--financial, I mean, eh? Mines, and all that, ye know--eh?"

"Why, she owns the grandest gold mine in all South America! Think of
it!"

"Bah Jove! I--aw--I never was so attracted to a girl in all me
blooming life! You will--a--speak to her, eh? Help me out, ye know.
Just a few words, eh? You know what I mean?"

"Never fear, Reginald" she's yours. "There will be no opposition."

"Opposition! Certainly not--not when she knows about our family.
And--aw--mother will talk with you--that is, about the details. She'll
arrange them, ye know. I never was good at business."

And the haughty mother of the young Duke did call shortly thereafter
to consult in regard to her son's matrimonial desires. The nerve-racking
round of balls, receptions, and other society functions was quite
forgotten by the elated Mrs. Hawley-Crowles, whose ears ti