ws how to model is also a bit smitten. Only my
boy doesn't seem to come to the point. But then he's a poet."

"A what?" inquired the military person, startled.

"A poet," stoutly repeated Archibald. "And a very great poet, I
venture to assert, he will be one of these fine days. Naturally he is
not a man of action--he is a dreamer. But when I wanted Kate I wasn't
satisfied just to go on dreaming about her--ha! ha! Now if my boy
would only stop dreaming and just get married instead, I'd settle as
much on them as ever they'd want. You see, a genius like my son," he
went on, lowering his voice almost to a whisper, "must be exempt from
the sordid cares of money-earning, and my eminent friend, though his
position in life is an extremely honourable one, is not a man of
means. He may have put by a bit out of his hard-earned income, but, as
I always say to him, he wants that against a rainy day. But it's no
use my talking to him--he will keep on worrying about his girls having
no fortunes. 'And suppose they don't marry,' says he; and I have
positively to laugh him into a more cheerful mood. 'Don't be a fool,
John,' I say to him, 'those two girls are worth all the fortunes in
the world, and the man who didn't think as much wouldn't be worth
marrying.'"

"Your views are extremely generous," said the military person. "They
do you credit."

"Not at all, my dear sir," said Archibald, looking pleased; "my views
are simply rational. I consider the blind worship of mere money an
utter mistake. There are higher things in life. I may say I am in
entire sympathy with my son's aspirations. By the way, it occurs to me
that the extraordinary refusal of my pupils to expand under cocaine
may be but another manifestation of the remarkable nervous system that
characterises my family. It may be connected in some mysterious way
with my son's genius. But possibly, sir, you may know my son?"

"I fear I have not that honour. I know only one literary gentleman--he
is the editor of the 'Christian Bugle.' Might I suggest that we
exchange cards?"

"Willingly," said Archibald. "Very happy to make your acquaintance,
Major Hemming," he resumed, after the mutual self-introduction had
been effected. "My son is to be here shortly, when you will have the
opportunity of meeting him. Perhaps you will do us the honour of
lunching with us?"

"I should be delighted, but unfortunately I am lunching with a
friend."

"I am sorry we are not to have the pleasur