her
companion. "What are you thinking about so seriously?" she asked.

The man started; then drew himself up and gave a little nervous laugh.
"Of you," he replied evasively, "always."

She reached up and slapped his cheek tenderly. "You were dreaming of
your awful business deals," she said. "What have you in hand
now?--besides the revolution in Colombia, your mines, your mills, your
banks, your railroads and trolley lines, your wheat and potato
corners, your land concessions and cattle schemes, and--well, that's a
start, at least," she finished, pausing for breath.

"Another big deal," he said abruptly.

"Wheat, again?"

"No, cotton. I'm buying every bale I can find, in Europe, Asia, and
the States."

"But, Will, you've been caught in cotton before, you know. And I don't
believe you can get away with it again. Unless--"

"That's it--unless," he interrupted. "And that's just the part I have
taken care of. It's a matter of tariff. The cotton schedule will go
through as I have it outlined. I practically own the Commission. They
don't dare refuse to pass the measure. Cotton is low now. In a few
months the tariff on cotton products will be up. The new tariff-wall
sends the price of raw stuff soaring. I profit, coming and going. I
was beaten on the last deal simply because of faulty weather
prognostications. I made a bad guess. This time the weather doesn't
figure. I'll let you in, if you wish. But these other fellows have got
to stay out."

"I haven't a penny to invest, Will," she replied mournfully. "You got
me so terribly involved in this Colombian revolution."

"Oh, well," he returned easily, "I'll lend you what you need, any
amount. And you can give me your advice and suggestions from time to
time. As for your Colombian investments, haven't I guaranteed them,
practically?"

"Not in writing," she said, looking up at him with a twinkle in her
eyes.

"Bah! Well, do you want that?"

"No, certainly not," she returned, giving him a glance of admiration.
"But, to return, Mrs. Hawley-Crowles is going to be received into your
wife's set, and you are going to give her a good financial whipping?"

"Certainly, if you wish it. I'm yours to command. Mrs. Hawley-Crowles
shall go to the poor-house, if you say the word. But now, my dear,
have William order my car. And, let me see, Mrs. Ames is to meet Mrs.
Hawley-Crowles at Fitch's? Just a chance call, I take it."

"Yes, dear," murmured the Beaubien, reaching up and k