After passing them all in review she decided on Marion Arleigh.

Not only was she the wealthiest heiress, but in her case there were no parents to interfere--no father with stern refusal, no mother with tearful pleadings.

When she was of age she could please herself--marry Allan, if he would persuade her to do so, and then he would be master of all her wealth.

She began her management of the somewhat difficult business with tact and diplomacy worthy of a gray-headed diplomatist.

She spoke so incessantly of her brother--praising his genius, his great gifts--that Marion could not help thinking of him.