mands my offer in writing. Some more
of his notions of business, Spanish style. Stilted and unnecessary.
How like all of his kind he is! Ponderous in minor affairs, casual in
major matters of business."

An hour later he came up to Don Mike, chatting with Kay and Mrs. Parker
on the porch, and thrust an envelope into Farrel's hand.

"Here is my offer--in writing."

"Thank you, sir." Don Mike thrust the envelope unopened into the
breast pocket of his coat and from the side pocket of the same garment
drew another envelope. "Here is my answer--in writing."

Parker stared at him in frank amazement and admiration; Kay's glance,
as it roved from her father to Don Mike and back again, was sad and
troubled.

"Then you've reopened negotiations, father," she demanded, accusingly.

He nodded. "Our host has a persuasive way about him, Kay," he
supplemented. "He insisted so on my making him an offer that finally I
consented."

"And now," Farrel assured her, "negotiations are about to be closed."

"Absolutely?"

"Absolutely. Never to be reopened, Miss Kay."

Parker opened his envelope and read. His face was without emotion.
"That answer is entirely satisfactory to me, Mr. Farrel," he said,
presently, and passed the paper to his daughter. She read:

I was tempted last night. You should have closed then. I have changed
my mind. Your offer--whatever it may be--is declined.

"I also approve," Kay murmured, and in the swift glance she exchanged
with Don Miguel he read something that caused his heart to beat
happily. Mrs. Parker took the paper from her daughter's hand and read
it also.

"Very well, Ajax. I think, we all think a great deal more of you for
defying the lightning," was her sole comment.

Despite his calm, John Parker was irritated to the point of fury. He
felt that he had been imposed upon by Don Mike; his great god,
business, had been scandalously flouted.

"I am at a loss to understand, Mr. Farrel," he said, coldly, "why you
have subjected me to the incivility of requesting from me an offer in
writing and then refusing to read it when I comply with your request.
Why subject me to that annoyance when you knew you intended to refuse
any offer I might make you? I do not relish your flippancy at my
expense, sir."

"Do you not think, sir, that I can afford a modicum of flippancy when I
pay such a fearfully high price for it?" Don Mike countered smilingly.
"I'll bet a new hat my pleasantry cost