es of his enemies. And you brought
the best possible credentials--you are well hated. To be well hated by the
human race and by the creatures mounted on its back is a distinction, sir.
It is the crown of the true kings of this world."

We seated ourselves on the wide veranda; he had champagne and water
brought, and cigars; and we proceeded to get acquainted--nothing promotes
cordiality and sympathy like an initial misunderstanding. It was a good
hour before this kind-hearted, hard-soft, typical old-fashioned New
Englander reverted to the object of my visit. Said he: "And now, young man,
may I venture to ask some extremely personal questions?"

"In the circumstances," replied I, "you have the right to know everything.
I did not come to you without first making sure what manner of man I was
to find." At this he blushed, pleased as a girl at her first beau's first
compliment. "And you, Mr. Forrester, can not be expected to embark in the
little adventure I propose, until you have satisfied yourself."

"First, the why of your plan."

"I am in active business," replied I, "and I shall be still more active.
That means financial uncertainty."

His suspicion of me started up from its doze and rubbed its eyes. "Ah! You
wish to insure yourself."

"Yes," was my answer, "but not in the way you hint. It takes away a man's
courage just when he needs it most, to feel that his family is involved in
his venture."

"Why do you not make the settlement direct?" he asked, partly reassured.

"Because I wish her to feel that it is her own, that I have no right over
it whatever."

He thought about this. His eyes were keen as he said, "Is that your real
reason?"

I saw I must be unreserved with him. "Part of it," I replied. "The rest
is--she would not take it from me."

The old man smiled cynically. "Have you tried?" he inquired.

"If I had tried and failed, she would have been on the alert for an
indirect attempt."

"Try her, young man," said he, laughing. "In this day there are few people
anywhere who'd refuse any sum from anybody for anything. And a woman--and a
New York woman--and a New York fashionable woman--and a daughter of old
Ellersly--she'll take it as a baby takes the breast."

"She would not take it," said I.

My tone, though I strove to keep angry protest out of it, because I needed
him, caused him to draw back instantly. "I beg your pardon," said he. "I
forgot for the moment that I was talking to a man young enou