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.