Miss Muriel was copying a figure of Socrates on the fragment of a frieze. The beauty disease had visibly progressed in her--hair a shade richer, eyes more strongly underscored. Old Socrates was so different, sitting in conversation and leaning forward on his staff. One bare foot rested comfortably on the other. They were a good-sized pair of industrious and reliable feet. He seemed to be addressing his argument to the young lady who sat before him. The expression of the big toe on his right foot indicated that it was not wholly unmoved by his words. Mrs. Fraley beckoned me aside and whispered: “The dear child is making wonderful progress. She is copying that for one of the New York magazines. Muriel has made a great social success in Rome. Mrs. Wartz has taken her up, and her name is in the Paris _Herald_ almost every day.” In a moment she made an illuminating proposal: “I want to borrow fifty thousand dollars on good security--the bonds of the Great Bend & Lake Michigan Traction Company,” she said. “I would pay you a liberal fee if you would help me.” “It's a bad time to borrow money,” I answered. “Is it a bust or a painting?” “Neither; it's Miss Muriel's marriage portion. The count has proposed, and I find that he is one of the dearest, noblest young men that ever lived.” There was no help for these people. An appeal to their minds was like shooting into the sky or writing in water. You couldn't land on them. “Oh, then it's a husband!” I exclaimed. “Yes, and we want to take him home with us.” “He requires cash down?” “I believe it is usual.” “Are you sure that Muriel could manage him? He's pretty coltish and has never been halter-broke. He might rare up an' pull away an' run off with the money.” “He loves her to distraction, he worships and adores her, and she is very, very fond of him.” “You are far from your friends here,” I said. “Suppose you ask the count to call on me and talk it over. It may be that I could arrange easy terms. Possibly we could even get him on the instalment plan, with a small payment down.” “I would not dare suggest it,” said Mrs. Fraley. “Cable to your banker, and if the bonds are good he ought to be able to get the money for you.” “I thought of that, but to save time I hoped that you would be willing to let me have it.” “I wouldn't assist you to commit a folly which you are sure to regret,” I answered. “In my opinion he would be dear at ten dollars. It looks to me like taking over a liability instead of an asset.” “We didn't ask for your opinion,” said Miss Muriel, as she blushed with indignation. “My opinions are as easy to get as counts in Italy,” I said. “You don't have to ask for them. I give you one thing more--my best wishes. Good-by!”