dresses well?"

"Undoubtedly. But they have themselves to blame for it. The world has
not yet got accustomed to the idea that a man with a flawless coat on
his back means to do anything. Not so very long ago such a thing was
unknown. I am willing to admit that when the gentlemen consent to work,
they make the best workers; but the burden of evidence, as we lawyers
say, is on them."

"The world refuses to believe because it is envious. There isn't one of
the business men who decline to give Mr. Prime a chance who wouldn't
give half his fortune to be like him if he could."

"You are a philosopher as well as a philanthropist, young lady, I see.
You may not be far wrong. But if Mr. Prime knew what a champion he has,
he would cease to despair. You asked, I think, if I believed his story.
It is quite evident what your opinion is," said Mr. Chelm, with a laugh.

"Very well then, I do believe it; and I want to help him."

"Romance against the lawyers, ha! ha!"

"I am a very determined young person when I make up my mind. You cannot
laugh me out of it, Mr. Chelm."

"Heaven forbid! But what do you propose to do?"

"Give him a chance."

The lawyer rubbed his chin reflectively. "I am perfectly willing to
resign in his favor, but otherwise I know of no vacancy either in your
or my gift to fill," he said with a smile.

"I cannot spare you yet. I have another plan."

"And that?"

"A very romantic one, as you have predicted. I propose to set him up in
business."

"As a gentleman?"

"He is that already. No, as a banker."

"Indeed!"

"What do you think of my idea?"

"I have heard only the beginning of it. It is natural enough to feel the
inclination to set a handsome young man up as a banker; but I fail to
comprehend yet the details of the scheme."

"I shall leave them to you."

"To me? But I regret to say, Miss Harlan, that I know of no
banking-house at present that would employ the services of this embryo
merchant-prince."

"Oh, but you don't or you won't understand me. What I propose is to
found a banking-house, and furnish the capital myself."

"What!" Mr. Chelm leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "This
is romance with a vengeance. Would I were twenty-five, and in
search of occupation! And what, pray, is to be the name of the new
concern?--Harlan and Prime; or Virginia Harlan and Company? I am
confident it will be a partnership for life."

"Francis Prime and Company, of course. I will not sub