'a transaction called a Straddle?'

Logan murmured that he was aware of the existence of the phrase, though
unconscious of its precise meaning.

'The lady's wealth is based on a successful Straddle, operated by her
only known male ancestor, in--Bristles--Hogs' Bristles and Lard,' said
the Earl.

'Miss Bangs!' exclaimed Logan, knowing the name, wealth, and the source
of the wealth of the ruling Chicago heiress of the day.

'I am to be understood to speak of Miss Bangs--as her name has been
pronounced between us--with all the respect due to youth, beauty, and an
amiable disposition,' said the peer; 'but Bristles, Mr. Logan, Hogs'
Bristles and Lard. And a Straddle!'

'Lucky devil, Scremerston,' thought Logan, for Scremerston was the only
son of Lord Embleton, and he, as it seemed, had secured that coveted
prize of the youth of England, the heart of the opulent Miss Bangs. But
Logan only sighed and stared at the wall as one who hears of an
irremediable disaster.

'If they really were betrothed,' said Lord Embleton, 'I would have
nothing to say or do in the way of terminating the connection, however
unwelcome. A man's word is his word. It is in these circumstances of
doubt (when the fortunes of a house ancient, though titularly of mere
Tudor _noblesse_, hang in the balance) that, despairing of other help, I
have come to you.'

'But,' asked Logan, 'have things gone so very far? Is the disaster
irremediable? I am acquainted with your son, Lord Scremerston; in fact,
he was my fag at school. May I speak quite freely?'

'Certainly; you will oblige me.'

'Well, by the candour of early friendship, Scremerston was called the
Arcadian, an allusion to a certain tenderness of heart allied with--h'm--a
rather confident and sanguine disposition. I think it may console you to
reflect that perhaps he rather overestimates his success with the
admirable young lady of whom we spoke. You are not certain that she has
accepted him?'

'No,' said the Earl, obviously relieved. 'I am sure that he has not
positively proposed to her. He knows my opinion: he is a dutiful son,
but he did seem very confident--seemed to think that his honour was
engaged.'

'I think we may discount that a little,' said Logan, 'and hope for the
best.'

'I shall try to take that view,' said the Earl. 'You console me
infinitely, Mr. Logan.'

Logan was about to speak again, when his client held up a gently
deprecating hand.

'That is not all, Mr