let him think without interruption. They sat down now at one of the
little tables and Collaton curtly ordered some drinks.

"It's al very simple matter," Gresham finally stated. "My father was
to have married Miss Joy's aunt but did not. When the aunt came to
die she left Miss Joy a million dollars, but coupled with it the
provision that she must marry me. That's all."

"It's enough," laughed Collaton. "I understand now why Johnny Gamble
wants to make a million dollars. As soon as he gets it he'll propose
to Miss Joy, she'll accept him and let the million slide. Who gets
it?"

"Charity."

"Why, Gresham, I'm ashamed of you!" Collaton mocked. "The descendant
of a noble English house is making as sordid an affair of this as if
he were a cheese dealer! I have the gift of second sight and I can
tell you just what's going to happen. Johnny Gamble will make his
million dollars--and I'm for him. He'll marry Miss Joy--and I'm for
her. That other million will go to charity--and I'm for it. I hope
they all win!"

"You're foolish," returned Gresham, holding his temper through the
superiority which had always nettled Collaton. "You like money and
I'm showing you a way to get it from Johnny Gamble."

The waiter brought the drinks. Collaton paid for them, tossed off
his own and rose.