I must not miss him." Then he resolutely traced his telegram accepting Hugh Worthington's offer, and penned a few lines to "Miss Alice." "What a sham our modern plutocratic life is," bitterly murmured Clayton.

"Is it really Miss or Mrs.?
Where does the truth lie?
I'll stake my life that Alice has not deceived me!" The hoodwinked Clayton never knew of the fierce secret battle at Tacoma, in which Arthur Ferris had flatly refused to come East and make the great quiet coup de finance until Worthington had agreed to a private ceremony before his departure.

"Give what reasons you wish to Alice; you can even take her over to Japan and back as Miss Worthington; but I will be made safe, or I'll not turn the cards for you." "Very good, then," growled old Worthington, to whom Senator Durham's friendship was the one factor of success.

"You put Durham into our partnership; I my daughter; but she remains Alice Worthington, and does not leave my side until you have brought Durham into line on the Inter-State Commerce.

Then I've got my senatorial partner, and you your wife." "Yes, and I am only sure of my life position when the marriage has taken place," placidly replied Ferris.