“Now,” said he, when they were alone again, “I hope you will pardon me, Count, if I am discourteous enough to tell you that my time is uncomfortably cramped.  When I first came here I found that I was expected to stand upon the shore of the river for two hours on the chance of catching one salmon.  But I have changed all that.  As soon as I step outside my door, my ghillie brings me my rod, and if there ain’t a salmon at the end for me to land, another ghillie will receive his salary.  Since lunch I have caught a fish, despatched fifteen cablegrams, and dictated nine letters.  I am only on holiday here, and if I don’t get through double that amount in the next two hours I scarcely see my way to do much more fishing to-day.  That being so, let us come right to the point.  You bring some kind of proposition from Lord Tulliwuddle, I guess?”

During his drive the Count had cogitated over a number of judicious methods of opening the delicate business; but his adaptability was equal to the occasion.  In as business-like a tone as his host, he replied—­

“You are quite right, Mr. Maddison.  Lord Tulliwuddle has deputed me to open negotiations for a certain matrimonial project.”

Mr. Maddison’s expression showed his appreciation of this candor and delicacy.

“Well,” said he, “to be quite frank, Count, I should have thought all the better of his lordship if he had been a little more prompt about the business.”

“It is not through want of admiration for Miss Maddison, I assure you——­”

“No,” interrupted Mr. Maddison, “it is because he does not realize the value of time—­which is considerably more valuable than admiration, I can assure you.  Since I discussed the matter with Lord Tulliwuddle’s aunt we have had several more buyers—­I should say, suitors—­in the market—­er—­in the field, Count Bunker.  But so far, fortunately for his lordship, my Eleanor has not approved of the samples sent, and if he still cares to come forward we shall be pleased to consider his proposition.”

The millionaire looked at him out of an impenetrable eye; and the Count in an equally guarded tone replied

“I greatly approve of putting things on so sound a footing, and with equal frankness I may tell you—­ in confidence, of course—­that Lord Tulliwuddle also is not without alternatives.  He would, however, prefer to offer his title and estates to Miss Maddison, provided that there is no personal objection to be found on either side.”

Mr. Maddison’s eye brightened and his tone warmed.

“Sir,” said he, “I guess there won’t be much objection to Eleanor Maddison when your friend has seen her.  Without exaggeration, I may say that she is the most beautiful girl in America, and that is to say, the most beautiful girl anywhere.  The precise amount of her fortune we can discuss, supposing the necessity arrives:  but I can assure you it will be sufficient to set three of your mortgaged British aristocrats upon their legs again.  No, sir, the objection will not come from that side!”