There was much which was public property. It was John Minute's boast that his life was a book which might be read, but in his inmost heart he knew of one dark place which baffled the outside world. He brought himself from the mental rehearsal of his interview to what was, after all, the first and more important business. "May," he said suddenly, "have you thought any more about what I asked you?" She made no attempt to fence with the question. "You mean Jasper Cole?" He nodded, and for the moment she made no reply, and sat with eyes downcast, tracing a little figure upon the tablecloth with her finger tip. "The truth is, uncle," she said at last, "I am not keen on marriage at all just yet, and you are sufficiently acquainted with human nature to know that anything which savors of coercion will not make me predisposed toward Mr. Cole." "I suppose the real truth is," he said gruffly, "that you are in love with Frank?" She laughed. "That is just what the real truth is not," she said. "I like Frank very much. He is a dear, bright, sunny boy." Mr. Minute grunted. "Oh, yes, he is!" the girl went on. "But I am not in love with him--really." "I suppose you are not influenced by the fact that he is my--heir," he said, and eyed her keenly. She met his glance steadily. "If you were not the nicest man I know," she smiled, "I should be very offended. Of course, I don't care whether Frank is rich or poor. You have provided too well for me for mercenary considerations to weigh at all with me." John Minute grunted again. "I am quite serious about Jasper." "Why are you so keen on Jasper?" she asked. He hesitated. "I know him," he said shortly. "He has proved to me in a hundred ways that he is a reliable, decent lad. He has become almost indispensable to me," he continued with his quick little laugh, "and that Frank has never been. Oh, yes, Frank's all right in his way, but he's crazy on things which cut no ice with me. Too fond of sports, too fond of loafing," he growled. The girl laughed again. "I can give you a little information on one point," John Minute went on, "and it was to tell you this that I brought you here to-day. I am a very rich man. You know that. I have made millions and lost them, but I have still enough to satisfy my heirs. I am leaving you two hundred thousand pounds in my will." She looked at him with a startled exclamation. "Uncle!" she said. He nodded. "It is not a quarter of my fortune," he went on quickly, "but it will make you comfortable after I am gone." He rested his elbows on the table and looked at her searchingly.