be kicked for."

Betty arranged her campanulas carefully. There was no exterior reason
why she should draw sword in Lord Mount Dunstan's defence. He had
certainly not seemed to expect anything intimately interested from
her. His manner she had generally felt to be rather restrained. But one
could, in a measure, express one's self.

"Whatsoever the 'running,'" she remarked, "no pretendant has
complimented me by presenting himself, so far--and Lord Mount Dunstan is
physically an unusually strong man."

"You mean it would be difficult to kick him? Is this partisanship? I
hope not. Am I to understand," he added with deliberation, "that Rosalie
has received him here?"

"Yes."

"And that you have received him, also--as you have received Lord
Westholt?"

"Quite."

"Then I must discuss the matter with Rosalie. It is not to be discussed
with you."

"You mean that you will exercise your authority in the matter?"

"In England, my dear girl, the master of a house is still sometimes
guilty of exercising authority in matters which concern the reputation
of his female relatives. In the absence of your father, I shall not
allow you, while you are under my roof, to endanger your name in any
degree. I am, at least, your brother by marriage. I intend to protect
you."

"Thank you," said Betty.

"You are young and extremely handsome, you will have an enormous
fortune, and you have evidently had your own way all your life. A girl,
such as you are, may either make a magnificent marriage or a ridiculous
and humiliating one. Neither American young women, nor English young
men, are as disinterested as they were some years ago. Each has begun to
learn what the other has to give."

"I think that is true," commented Betty.

"In some cases there is a good deal to be exchanged on both sides. You
have a great deal to give, and should get exchange worth accepting. A
beggared estate and a tainted title are not good enough."

"That is businesslike," Betty made comment again.

Sir Nigel laughed quietly.

"The fact is--I hope you won't misunderstand my saying it--you do not
strike me as being UN-businesslike, yourself."

"I am not," answered Betty.

"I thought not," rather narrowing his eyes as he watched her, because he
believed that she must involuntarily show her hand if he irritated her
sufficiently. "You do not impress me as being one of the girls who make
unsuccessful marriages. You are a modern New York beauty--not an early