My engagement to Miss Natalie may be sudden and unexpected--perhaps not altogether pleasant from your standpoint--yet it hardly warrants you in thus attributing to me mercenary motives.

As a matter of fact, I was not aware until last evening that she was an heiress to considerable property.

I knew nothing of her relationships.

I will say, however, that now I feel perfectly justified in showing an interest in her affairs.

As I understand matters, you are her guardian under the special provisions of your brother's will ?" "You are perfectly right, sir, and I should have been consulted previous to this engagement." Coolidge said with dignity.