o the dignity of ambassadorial honour, as in the course of
events you logically will, your wife, my lad, must be beyond the breath
of calumny. No scandal, no mystery must attach itself to her name."

"What's there against Miss Stanton, father? Won't you tell me?" asked
Beverly.

"Nothing against _her_! Henry Stanton's early life is shrouded in
mystery. He inherited his immense fortune from his uncle. Who her
mother was, no one seems to know, and there lies the mystery. Mr.
Stanton's immense works of charity have succeeded to some extent in
getting him a foothold in New York, but the foundation of his social
position is very insecure. I need scarcely tell you, Beverly, that
although money is a lever that can do much to help a man along in
society, it is almost utterly valueless in the diplomatic world. In
that smallest of small worlds one's name, one's record, one's wife,
one's family must be almost immaculate, subject to the most minute
scrutiny. You are in the diplomatic world; your name will pass muster.
But what of the woman you propose to make your wife?"

Beverly was silent. He had hitherto heard nothing against Henry
Stanton, much less against his daughter.

"It will make no difference to me," he said firmly. "I love her, and,
father, in saying this I mean no disrespect to your authority, but, if
she will accept me, I intend to marry her."

Andrew Cruger made no answer. He merely lowered his head and looked at
his son.

"When?" he asked briefly.

"I have not spoken to her yet," said Beverly.

Old Cruger looked at him quizzically.

"Perhaps I've been a little premature," suggested Beverly. The elder
Cruger shrugged his shoulders. "That is the chief characteristic of
American youth," he said, with a slight smile.

"I should never think of settling the question of dates, or of doing
anything final until I had consulted you and my mother. Nor would I
speak to her without first asking your consent," he added, to please
his father.

Andrew Cruger smiled once more. "Suppose I refuse my consent?" he
asked.

"Well," Beverly hesitated.

"You'll marry her without it? Of course you will! That's if she'll
have you, my boy. The authority of parents is only nominal; therefore
I content myself with warning you that you may ruin your career by such
a marriage."

"I'll risk it," said Beverly.

"In other words you will give up your career?"

"Yes," replied Beverly.

"Quite so," agreed old C