d Tulliwuddle."

Mr. Maddison crossed his legs and interlocked his fingers like a man
about to air his views. This, in fact, was what he proceeded to do.

"My opinion of aristocracies and the pampered individuals who compose
them is the opinion of an intelligent and enlightened democrat. I see
them from the vantage-ground of a man who has made his own way in the
world unhampered by ancestry, who has dwelt in a country fortunately
unencumbered by such hindrances to progress, and who has no personal
knowledge of their defects. You will admit that I speak with unusual
opportunities of forming a judgment?"

"You should have the impartiality of a missionary," said Bunker gravely.

"That is so, sir. Now, in proposing to marry my daughter to a member of
this class, I am actuated solely by a desire to take advantage of
the opportunities such an alliance would confer. I am still perfectly
clear?"

"Perfectly," replied Bunker, with the same profound gravity.

"In consequence," resumed the millionaire, with the impressiveness of
a logician drawing a conclusion from two irrefutable premises--"in
consequence, Count Bunker, I demand--and my daughter demands--and my
son demands, sir, that the nobleman should possess an unusual number of
high-class, fire-proof, expert-guaranteed qualities. That is only fair,
you must admit?"

"I agree with you entirely."

Mr. Maddison glanced at the clock and sprang to his feet.

"I have not the pleasure of knowing my neighbor, Mr. Gallosh," he said,
resuming his brisk business tone; "but I beg you to convey to him and to
his wife and daughter my compliments--and my daughter's compliments--and
tell them that we hope they will excuse ceremony and bring Lord
Tulliwuddle to luncheon to-morrow."

Count Bunker expressed his readiness to carry this message, and the
millionaire even more briskly resumed--

"I shall now give myself the pleasure of presenting you to my son and
daughter."

With his swiftest strides he escorted his distinguished guest to another
room, flung the door open, announced, "My dears, Count Bunker!" and
pressed the Count's hand even as he was effecting this introduction.

"Very pleased to have met you, Count. Good day," he ejaculated, and
vanished on the instant.

CHAPTER XVII

Raising his eyes after the profound bow which the Count considered
appropriate to his character of plenipotentiary, he beheld at last
the object of his mission; and whether or not she was th