the most successful man I ever met."

James was annoyed. "I expect you have a monopoly in that opinion, Miss
Frome--unless Jeff shares it."

"He doesn't."

The lawyer laughed irritably. "No, I shouldn't think he would." He added
a moment later: "I don't suppose Jeff is worth a hundred dollars."

"Probably not."

"And Joe Powers is worth a hundred millions."

"That settles it. I must have been wrong." Alice looked at him with a
flash of demure daring. "Valencia said something to me the other day I
didn't quite understand. Ought I to congratulate you?"

"What did she say?" he asked eagerly.

"Oh, I'll not tell you what she said. My question was in first."

"You may as well, though it's still a secret. Nobody knows it but you
and me."

"And Valencia."

"I didn't know she knew it yet."

Alice stared. "Not know that she is going to marry you? Then it isn't
really arranged?"

"It is and it isn't."

"Oh!"

"I know it and she suspects it."

"Is this a riddle?"

"Riddle is a good word when we speak of your cousin," he admitted
judicially.

"Perhaps I asked a question I ought not to have."

"Not at all. I'm trying to answer you as well as I can. Last time I
mentioned the subject she laughed at me."

"So you've asked her?"

"No, I told her."

"And she said?"

"Regretted that other plans would not permit her to fall in with mine."

"Then I don't quite see how you are so sure."

"That's just what she says, but I've a notion she is planning the
trousseau."

Alice flashed a sidelong look at him. Was he playing with her? Or did he
mean it?

"You'll let me know when I may safely congratulate you," she retorted
ironically.

"Now is the best time. I may not see you this evening."

"Oh, it's to be this evening, is it?"

"To the best of my belief and hope."

His complacency struck a spark from her. "You needn't be so cock sure. I
daresay she won't have you."

His smile took her into his confidence. "That's what I'm afraid of
myself, but I daren't let her see it."

"That sounds better."

"I think she wants to eat her cake and have it, too."

"Meaning, please?"

"That she likes me, but would rather hold me off a while."

Alice nodded. "Yes, that would be like Val."

"Meanwhile I don't know whether I'm to be a happy man or not."

Her fine eyes looked in their direct fashion right into his. "I must say
you appear greatly worried."

"Yes," he smiled.

"You must be tremendously in love w