really is. Majesty, you're not going to ask me to take money from you?"

"I am."

"Well, I'll not do it. I never did, even when I was in college, and then
there wasn't much beyond me."

"Listen, Alfred," she went on, earnestly, "this is entirely different.
I had only an allowance then. You had no way to know that since I last
wrote you I had come into my inheritance from Aunt Grace. It was--well,
that doesn't matter. Only, I haven't been able to spend half the income.
It's mine. It's not father's money. You will make me very happy if
you'll consent. Alfred, I'm so--so amazed at the change in you. I'm
so happy. You must never take a backward step from now on. What is ten
thousand dollars to me? Sometimes I spend that in a month. I throw money
away. If you let me help you it will be doing me good as well as you.
Please, Alfred."

He kissed her, evidently surprised at her earnestness. And indeed
Madeline was surprised herself. Once started, her speech had flowed.

"You always were the best of fellows, Majesty. And if you really
care--if you really want to help me I'll be only too glad to accept. It
will be fine. Florence will go wild. And that Greaser won't harass me
any more. Majesty, pretty soon some titled fellow will be spending your
money; I may as well take a little before he gets it all," he finished,
jokingly.

"What do you know about me?" she asked, lightly.

"More than you think. Even if we are lost out here in the woolly West
we get news. Everybody knows about Anglesbury. And that Dago duke who
chased you all over Europe, that Lord Castleton has the running now and
seems about to win. How about it, Majesty?"

Madeline detected a hint that suggested scorn in his gay speech. And
deep in his searching glance she saw a flame. She became thoughtful. She
had forgotten Castleton, New York, society.

"Alfred," she began, seriously, "I don't believe any titled gentleman
will ever spend my money, as you elegantly express it."

"I don't care for that. It's you!" he cried, passionately, and he
grasped her with a violence that startled her. He was white; his eyes
were now like fire. "You are so splendid--so wonderful. People called
you the American Beauty, but you're more than that. You're the American
Girl! Majesty, marry no man unless you love him, and love an American.
Stay away from Europe long enough to learn to know the men--the real men
of your own country."

"Alfred, I'm afraid there are not always real