and the French law has certain restrictions--"

"Pff! We are not under the French law--at least I have not heard
that England has relinquished her power," retorted Tewfick not
without malice.

"But Mademoiselle Delcassé is French," thrust in Ryder. He knew that
McLean had ventured as far as he, an official and responsible
person, could go, and that the burden of intimation must rest upon
himself. "And under her father's will his family there is
considered in trusteeship. So there would be certain technicalities
that must be considered before any marriage can be arranged, the
signature of the French guardian, the settlement of the dot--this
inheritance, for instance--all mere formalities but involving a
little delay."

Tewfick Pasha turned in his chair and cocked his eyes at this
strange young man who had dropped from the blue with this extensive
advice. He looked puzzled. This American fitted into no type of his
acquaintance. He was so very young and slim and boyish ... with not
at all the air of a legal representative.... But McLean's position
vouched for him.

"You speak for the French family, monsieur?"

Unhesitatingly Ryder declared that he did.

"Then you may inform the family," announced Tewfick, bristling,
"that my daughter has been very well cared for all these years
without advice from France."