eep at them from my coign of
vantage. I could perceive from Mr. Chelm's manner that he was pleased
with the tone and alertness of the other in putting matters into shape.
He had shown me beforehand certain letters which he had received in
answer to inquiries made regarding Mr. Prime. In these he was spoken of
as a young man of irreproachable character but strong social tastes,
which, while consistent with his own statement of what the world thought
of him, did not serve to re-assure Mr. Chelm as to the success of my
experiment. So it was consoling to me to see his expression continue
benignant as he listened to the young banker's notions.

When at last Mr. Prime was gone, I indulged my hilarity freely at my
friend's expense. "A lawyer, too!" I cried, when I could speak. "Your
reputation in my eyes is ruined forever."

"I have no excuse to offer. It was a dreadful slip, Miss Harlan."

"The slip was unpardonable of course; but it was an accident. No, what I
refer to, Mr. Chelm, is the marvellous invention by which you sought to
conceal it. I fully expected to see the floor open, and some demon carry
you off amid smoke and sulphur."

"I never stick at a trifle like that," laughed he. "But didn't I do the
thing well? He believed every word of it. And what is more, Miss
Harlan," he added seriously, "it would have been a great pity to have
let him decline. He is a likely young fellow. I smell wedding-cake in
the air already."

"You forget, Mr. Chelm," I answered, "that I am an eccentric maiden-lady
of sixty-five. You have ruined any material there may have been out of
which to manufacture a romance."

* * * * *

This turn of affairs took place a few days before the unpleasant scene
with Aunt Agnes occurred, to which I have alluded, and I found that it
absorbed my thoughts and tended to counteract the despondency produced
by her displeasure and the injustice of her friends. All through the
remainder of the season I awaited with eagerness the monthly reports
sent by Mr. Prime. He was established, and cautiously feeling his way.
But necessarily there was little to tell; a fortune cannot be made in a
minute. However, I cherished every word of encouragement as so much
vindication of my faith; and I came by degrees to feel as though Mr.
Prime's new enterprise were my own business, and that my reputation for
sagacity were dependent upon his success.

And yet, as I have already implied, Mr. Pri