"If you go to Aladdin's Palace," said Maruja, from the top step of
the south porch, to a wagonette of guests, "after you've seen the
stables with mahogany fittings for one hundred horses, ask Aladdin
to show you the enchanted chamber, inlaid with California woods and
paved with gold quartz."

"We would have a better chance if the Princess of China would only
go with us," pleaded Garnier, gallantly.

"The Princess will stay at home with her mother, like a good girl,"
returned Maruja, demurely.

"A bad shot of Garnier's this time," whispered Raymond to Buchanan,
as the vehicle rolled away with them. "The Princess is not likely
to visit Aladdin again."

"Why?"

"The last time she was there, Aladdin was a little too Persian in
his extravagance: offered her his house, stables, and himself."

"Not a bad catch--why, he's worth two millions, I hear."

"Yes; but his wife is as extravagant as himself."

"His WIFE, eh? Ah, are you serious; or must you say something
derogatory of the lassie's admirers too?" said Buchanan, playfully
threatening him with his cane. "Another word, and I'll throw you
from the wagon."