tful letters from Paula, who has
persuaded herself that you are her cousin too, and asserts her right to
know you. But neither she nor Lyster has the remotest suspicion of your
identity. Elton Gwynne might have a dozen brothers; nor is it likely
they ever heard the name. If you were an artist or actor or litterateur
or composer you might be as well known in San Francisco as in London.
There is no city in the United States one-half so artistic--nor so given
to fads. But in European politics, the young people, at least, take as
much interest as they do in the canals of the moon. So you are quite
safe, and Lyster is the man of all others to show you Bohemian San
Francisco and give you a thoroughly good time. We might go down a few
days after the party."

"That will be very jolly. I will confess that although San Francisco did
not inspire me with enthusiasm, it has occurred to me that it might be
an improvement on Rosewater.... Oh, by-the-way, I had a letter from my
mother not long ago, in which she said she had met some San Franciscans
at Homburg--Hofer, I believe the name was--and had promised I should
call on them, mentioning me, of course, as John Gwynne. I have wondered
if the risk would be worth while. The amusement to be derived from
provincial society is very doubtful."

"Provincial! What arrogance! Do please call on the Hofers. They have the
old Polk house, whose history I have told you, and entertain like
princes. Besides, Mr. Hofer is one of that small millionaire group that
is trying to clean up San Francisco municipally. He is quite worth
knowing. And I want you to know San Francisco. It is my ambition to be a
great figure in San Francisco--and I have seen other cities, and might
be enjoying myself in England this moment."

"Yes, I know," said Gwynne, smiling, and admiring her pink cheeks and
flashing eyes. "And of course I don't forget that you have spurned a
great position for the sake of your beloved city. That is really at the
root of my desire to know the place. If it has a fascination I should
like to feel it. Fascination is a strong word and means a considerable
amount of enjoyment, up to a certain point. But I am glad to have heard
the declaration of your ambition. Is it the final one?"

"It is the pedestal," said Isabel, enigmatically. "Sometime, when you
give me your confidence, I will give you mine."

"I have no confidences to make--none, at least, that can compare with
the rich experiences of y