merican women. He
realized their independence of character and mental vigour. But he did
not expect that a young girl, fresh from college, enjoying the first
taste of London, would take a leading part in discussing a matter of
business. Before he had made up his mind what line to take with Miss
Daisy, Donovan shot a question at him.

"What size is that monarchy?" he said.

"The actual boundaries are a little uncertain," said Gorman, "but I
think we may say a hundred miles by about thirty."

"Inhabitants? Is it considerably settled?"

"I should guess the population at about 10,000."

Gorman glanced at his daughter. Miss Daisy's eyes gleamed with
pleasurable excitement.

"I'll buy that monarchy," said Donovan, "money down, and I expect the
King and I won't fall out about the price. But if I buy, I buy the
section and all fixings, royal palace, throne, crown and title. I'm
particular about the title."

Miss Daisy jumped from her chair and ran round the table. She flung
her arms round her father's neck and kissed him heartily, first on one
cheek, then on the other.

"You darling!" she said.

Donovan disengaged his head from her embrace and turned to Gorman.

"My little girl has taken a notion," he said, "that she'd like to be a
queen. The thing might be worked by marrying; but we don't either of
us care for that notion. She'd be tied up if she married, and she
might tire. My idea--and hers--is that it's better to buy what we want
right out. I don't say that Megalia is precisely the kingdom I'd have
chosen for her. I'd have preferred a place with a bigger reputation,
one better advertised by historians. But I realize that the European
monarchy market has been cornered by a syndicate, and I can't just
step down and buy what I like. Your leading families, so I understand,
have secured options on the best kingdoms and won't part."

Miss Daisy was still standing with her arms round her father's neck.
She hugged him as she spoke.

"I shall just love Megalia," she said. "I'd far rather have it than
one three times the size."

"Well," said her father, "I guess there's no reason why you shouldn't
have it."

Gorman saw several reasons, excellent ones, why Daisy Donovan could
never be queen of Megalia. He began to explain them. Kingdoms cannot
be bought and sold like horses. There are emperors and other kings to
consider. There is the Balance of Power in Europe. There are
ambassadors, chancelleries, statesmen. He wa