as fortune--hence it has taken a little time for her to adjust
herself." He paused and looked understandingly at the Turk, who
nodded amiably as one whose comprehension met him more than half
way.

"My own aunt was of a similar obstinacy," he murmured. He added,
"This fortune you speak of--it comes through my wife?"

"For her inheritors. Madame Delcassé--the former Madame Delcassé I
should say--left but one daughter?"

Again the pasha bowed and again Ryder felt the throb of triumph. He
looked upon his friend with admiration. How marvelously McLean had
worked the miracle. No accusations, no threats, no obstacles, no
blank walls of denial! Not a ruffle of discord in the establishment
of these salient facts--the marriage of Madame Delcassé to the pasha
and the existence of the daughter.

Wonderful man--McLean. He had never half appreciated him.

But the pasha was not wholly the simple assenter.

"Do I understand," he inquired, "that there is a fortune coming from
France for my daughter?" And at McLean's confirmation, "And when you
say fortune," he continued, "you intend to say--?" and his glance
now took in the silent American, considering that some cue must be
his.

But McLean responded. "The figures are not to be divulged--not until
the aunt is in communication with her niece. But they will be large,