present. Their guest was treated with due
respect, as the father of such elegant son. Pierre was elated. Under the
influence of rare wines, Sir Charles and Pierre became confidential. Sir
Charles seemed fully absorbed in his own financial conquests. At first
he listened with impatience to any of Pierre's guarded talk. Sir
Charles' recitals were so insinuating that Pierre felt much constraint
toward polite bragging. However, the secretive habit of a lifetime
sealed his lips against boastful avowals. Vintage warmth elicited
nothing more than a few guarded hints at possible craft in acquisition
of untold wealth.

This interesting quartette became so exclusive that little attention
was paid to other Bombay society. It soon was rumored that Paul Lanier
and Agnes Randall were mutually smitten. The report was confirmed by the
manner of all. In their confidences, Sir Charles and Pierre casually
referred to this gossip. It was talked over between Agnes and Paul.
Neither evinced any disposition to discipline the "tattling dame."

Paul proposed marriage. Agnes felt disposed to grant his suit, but would
abide her uncle's decision. To Paul this appeared proper. He entertained
the highest respect for Sir Charles Chesterton. Much as Paul desired
this marriage, he would defer to the judgment of her fond uncle.

It was arranged that Paul should submit the matter the next day. At the
time appointed the subject came up in the private room of Sir Charles.
Paul was graciously received. From Sir Charles' manner Paul was sure
that Agnes had spoken to her uncle of the proposal, and had received a
favorable response. He avowed his love for Agnes, and their intention to
abide Sir Charles' decision.

This gracious uncle for a while remains silent. His prolonged pause
embarrasses Paul. Sir Charles asks where Paul was born, where his
relatives reside, their names, his father's antecedents, their future
intentions as to home and business, what portions of the world they had
seen, adding, "These questions may seem impertinent, but I wish to know
all about the one seeking the hand of my favorite niece and heir."

Encouraged, Paul answers quite fully. Sir Charles seems satisfied.

After an extended pause, during which Paul shifts about in nervous
anticipation, Sir Charles tells him there is yet another important
matter, often neglected, but of which, before deciding, he must have
full information.

"To my mind the present and future property in