if the conditions were all right, and until satisfied as to these he
would play around at a safe distance. As he saw Mr. Allen daily
getting into deeper water, he grew more cautious. His calls were not
quite so frequent. He managed never to be with Laura except in company
with others, and while his manner was very complimentary it was never
exactly lover-like. Therefore, all Laura's feminine diplomacy was in
vain, and that which a woman can say frankly the moment a man speaks,
she could scarcely hint. Moreover, Mr. Goulden was adroit enough to
chill her heart while he flattered her vanity. There was something
about his manner she could not understand, but it was impossible to
take offence at the polished gentleman.

Her father understood him better. He saw that Mr. Goulden had resolved
to settle the question on financial principles only.

As the chances diminished of securing him indirectly through Laura as
a prop to his tottering fortunes, he at last came to the conclusion to
try to interest him directly in his speculation, feeling sure if he
could control only a part of Mr. Goulden's large means and credit, he
could carry his operation through successfully.

Mr. Goulden warily listened to the scheme, warily weighed it, and
concluded within the brief compass of Mr. Allen's explanation to have
nothing to do with it. But his outward manner was all deference and
courteous attention.

At the end of Mr. Allen's rather eager and rose-colored statements, he
replied in politest and most regretful tones that he "was very sorry
he could not avail himself of so promising an opening, but in fact, he
was 'in deep' himself--carrying all he could stand up under very well,