"Changing the subject," continued Senator Hanway, "young Storms seems to be the accepted lover of Dorothy. I'm gratified by it; he has no money, but Mr. Gwynn will act the generous part. What surprises me is the submission of Barbara; she was decidedly tragic in her objections one evening." "Yes," said Mr. Harley, soberly exultant, his conquest of Mrs. Hanway-Harley in the matter of that matrimony being the only battle he had ever won from his domestic Boadicea, "yes, Barbara did object; put it on the ground that Storms was a beggar. Thereupon I expounded her own bankruptcy to her, showed her how it was the pot calling the kettle black, and Barbara, feeling that she hadn't a leg to stand on, surrendered." Mr. Harley said nothing of that Storri secret between Dorothy and himself. "When will you appoint the wedding?" asked Senator Hanway. "Dorothy will attend to that, I take it. Should she come for my advice, I shall vote for expedition. Marriage is so much like shooting a rifle that one ought not to hang too long on one's aim." Richard received a wire from Mr. Bayard calling him to New York. The next day he was closeted with the ticker-King at Thirty, Broad. "We have never," said Mr. Bayard, "declared our respective shares in the corner in Northern Consolidated." Richard insisted on leaving the naming of interests to Mr. Bayard. "I should say even interests then--half and half," returned Mr. Bayard. Richard acquiesced. "Then," said Mr. Bayard, "I must tell you that I'm offered seven millions for the seven members of the pool as it now exists. You remember your friend Storri perished on the first call for margins; we have already taken a half-million from him." "You won't mind," said Richard diffidently, "if I make an amended proposition?" "Let me hear it," returned Mr. Bayard, mildly curious; "I'm quite sure I shall prefer your proposal to my own." "As preliminary then," said Richard, "permit me to give you an informal invitation to my wedding with Miss Harley; it is set for June first." "I shall be present," said Mr. Bayard, smilingly elevating his brows. "And Miss Harley: who is she?" "She's Mr. Harley's daughter, and Senator Hanway's niece. Between us, I hardly feel like reducing my sweetheart's family to bankruptcy on the eve of our nuptials." "I've known it done, however," returned Mr. Bayard, beating down a chuckle. "I've no doubt," observed Richard. "For all that I'd like to miss the experience. This is my idea: suppose we divide men and not money. Give me Senator Hanway, Mr. Harley, and Storri, and you take the five." "It shall be as you desire," said Mr. Bayard, "for I see what you would be at. This was not a speculation but a love affair; Miss Harley is your profit."