exchange of career, and success, and other such accidents of his
material existence, for the right to touch these hands at will. The one
thing necessary is, that he be fit for the post. I demand of him that
he be a gourmand, a connoisseur in beauty. And it's here, mind you,
that I have doubts of our friend.--Is it clear to you?"

"As clear as day, thanks. And you may be QUITE sure: of me never
applying to you for help again. I shall respect your principles."

"And mind you, I don't say Guest may not come out of the affair all
right--enriched for the rest of his life."

"Very good. And now you may go. I regret that I ever bothered with you."

Krafft went across to where Madeleine was standing, put his hands on
her two shoulders, and laid his head on his right arm, so that she, who
was taller than he was, looked down on the roundnesses of his curly
hair. "You're a good fellow, Mada--a good fellow! JA, JA--who knows! If
you had had just a little more of the EWIGWEIBLICHE about you!"

"Too much honour ... But you don't expect Englishwomen to join your
harem, do, you?"

"There would have been a certain repose in belonging to a woman of your
type. But it's the charm--physical charm--we poor wretches can't do
without."

"Upon my word, it's almost a declaration!" cried Madeleine, not
unnettled. "Take my advice, Heinz. Hie you home, and marry the person
you ought to. Take pity on the poor thing's constancy. Unless," she
added, a moment later, with a sarcastic laugh, "since you're still so
infatuated with Louise, you persuade her to transfer her favours to
you. That would solve all difficulties in the most satisfactory way.
She would have the variety that seems necessary to her existence; you
could lie on your knees before her all day long; and our friend would
be restored to sanity. Think it over, Heinz. It's a good idea."

"Do you think she'd have me?" he asked, as he shook himself into his
coat.

"Heaven knows and Heaven only! Where Louise is concerned, nothing's
impossible--I've always maintained it."

"Well, ta-ta!--You shall have early news, I promise you."

Madeleine heard him go down the stair, whistling the ROSE OF SHARON.
But he could not have been half-way to the bottom, when he turned and
came back. Holding her door ajar, he stuck a laughing face into the
room.

"Upon my word, Mada, I congratulate you! It's a colossal idea."

But Madeleine had had enough of him. "I'm glad it pleases you. Now go,
go! Yo