ths of divertisement to which this speech might
lead; but a quick look at the man assured her of his common-sense, and
she answered: "It is of the joys of London that no one is so important
but finds the space he fills a small one, which may be filled acceptably
by some one else at any moment. It is easy for kings and princes
even--we have secluded princes here now--to get lost and forgotten in
London." "Well, that leaves little chance for ordinary Americans, who
don't bank on titles."

She looked up, puzzled in spite of herself. But she presently said, with
frankness and naivete: "What does 'bank on titles' mean?"

He stroked his beard, smiling quaintly, and said: "I don't know how to
put the thing better-it seems to fill the bill. But, anyway, Americans
are republicans; and don't believe in titles, and--"

"O, pardon me," she interrupted: "of course, I see."

"We've got little ways of talking not the same as yours. You don't seem
to have the snap to conversation that we have in the States. But I'll
say here that I think you have got a better style of talking. It isn't
exhausting."

"Mr. Pride said to me a moment ago that they spoke better English in
Boston than any other place in the world."

"Did he, though, Lady Lawless? That's good. Well, I guess he was only
talking through his hat."

She was greatly amused. Her first impressions were correct. The man was
interesting. He had a quaint, practical mind. He had been thrown upon
his own resources, since infancy almost, in a new country; and he
had seen with his own eyes, nakedly, and without predisposition or
instruction. From childhood thoroughly adaptable, he could get into
touch with things quickly, and instantly like or dislike them. He had
been used to approach great concerns with fearlessness and competency.
He respected a thing only for its real value, and its intrinsic value
was as clear to him as the market value. He had, perhaps, an exaggerated
belief in the greatness of his own country, because he liked eagerness
and energy and daring. The friction and hurry of American life added to
his enjoyment. They acted on him like a stimulating air, in which he
was always bold, collected, and steady. He felt an exhilaration in being
superior to the rustle of forces round him. It had been his habit to
play the great game of business with decision and adroitness. He had
not spared his opponent in the fight; he had crushed where his interests
were in peril and the