and turned
to the Baron, who, it may be remarked, was wearing an expression of
thoughtful gravity not frequently to be noted at Hechnahoul.

"You desire to say a few words to me, Lord Tulliwuddle, I understand. I
shall be pleased to hear them."

With this both father and son bent such earnest brows on the Baron and
waited for his answer in such intense silence, that he began to regret
the absence of his inspiring pipers.

"I vould like ze honor to address mine--mine----"

He threw an imploring glance at his friend, who, without hesitation,
threw himself into the breach.

"Lord Tulliwuddle feels the natural diffidence of a lover in adequately
expressing his sentiments. I understand that he craves your permission
to lay a certain case before a certain lady. I am right, Tulliwuddle?"

"Pairfectly," said the Baron, much relieved; "to lay a certain case
before a certain lady. Zat is so, yes, exactly."

Father and son glanced at one another.

"Your delicacy does you honor, very great honor," said Mr. Maddison;
"but business is business, Lord Tulliwuddle, and I should like to hear
your proposition more precisely stated. In fact, sir, I like to know
just where I am."

"That's just about right," assented Ri.

"I vould perhaps vish to marry her."

"Perhaps!" exclaimed the two together.

Again the Count adroitly interposed--

"You mean that you do not intend to thrust your attentions upon an
unwilling lady?"

"Yes, yes; zat is vat I mean."

"I see," said Mr. Maddison slowly. "H'm, yes."

"Sounds what you Scotch call 'canny,'" commented Ri shrewdly.

"Well," resumed the millionaire, "I have nothing to say against that;
provided--provided, I say, that you stipulate to marry the lady so long
as she has no objections to you. No fooling around--that's all we want
to see to. Our time, sir, is too valuable."

"That is so," said Ri.

The Baron's color rose, and a look of displeasure came into his eyes,
but before he had time to make a retort that might have wrecked his
original's hopes, Bunker said quickly--

"Tulliwuddle places himself in your hands, with the implicit confidence
that one gentleman reposes in another."

Gulping down his annoyance, the Baron assented--

"Yes, I vill do zat."

Again father and son looked at one another, and this time exchanged a
nod.

"That, sir, will satisfy us," said Mr. Maddison. "Ri, you may turn off
the phonograph."

And thereupon the cessation of a loud buzzing sound,