Kate shook her head. "That's noble and big of him, father," said she, "to assume all the blame. Really, half of it is mine. But he's acted like a true man, in taking it. However, that can't change my decision. I want him for a friend, in every way. But for a husband, no, no, never in this world!" The Billionaire frowned darkly. Already a stronger opposition was developing than he had expected; and opposition was the one thing in all the world that he could neither tolerate nor endure. "Listen, Kate," said he. "You don't grasp the situation at all. Waldron is an extraordinary man in many ways. In refusing him, you seriously injure yourself. Of course, he has never done any spectacular, heroic thing for you, like--for instance--that young man who rescued you, and whom I shall suitably reward as soon as I find him--" "What!" she exclaimed, peering eagerly at her father. "What do you mean? Find him? Reward him?" "Eh? Why, naturally," the Billionaire replied, scowling at the interruption. "His game of refusing his identity was, of course, just a clever dodge on his part. He certainly must expect something out of it. I have--er--set certain forces at work to discover him; and, as I say, when I've done so, I will reward him liberally, and--" "You'd better _not_!" ejaculated Kate, with animation. "He isn't the sort of man you can take liberties with!" "Hm? What now?" said Flint, with vexation. "What do _you_ know about him?" "Oh, nothing, nothing, father," the girl answered quickly. "Only, I think you're making a mistake to try and force a reward on a man who doesn't want it. But no matter," she added, her face tinged by a warmer glow--which Flint was quick to see. "Forgive my interruption. Now, about Wally?" The old man peered intently at his daughter, a full minute, then with a peculiar sinking at his heart, made shift to say: "About Wally, yes; you simply don't understand. That's all. Listen now, Kate, and be reasonable." "I will, daddy. Only don't ask me to marry a man I don't and can't love, ever, ever, so long as I live!" "That isn't anything, my girl. Love isn't all." "It is, to _me_! Without it, marriage is only--" She shuddered. "No, daddy; a thousand times better for me to be an old maid, and--and all that, than give myself to _him_!" Flint set his teeth hard together. "Kate," said he, his voice like wire, "now hear what I have to say! I want you fully to understand the character and desirability of Maxim Waldron!" Then in a cold, analytic voice, carefully, point by point, he analyzed the suitor, told of his wealth and power, his connections and his prospects, his culture, travel, political influence and world-wide reputation.