Richard insisted on leaving the naming of interests to Mr. Bayard.
"I should say even interests then—half and half," returned Mr. Bayard.
Richard acquiesced.
"Then," said Mr. Bayard, "I must tell you that I'm offered seven millions for the seven members of the pool as it now exists. You remember your friend Storri perished on the first call for margins; we have already taken a half-million from him."
"You won't mind," said Richard diffidently, "if I make an amended proposition?"
"Let me hear it," returned Mr. Bayard, mildly curious; "I'm quite sure I shall prefer your proposal to my own."
"As preliminary then," said Richard, "permit me to give you an informal invitation to my wedding with Miss Harley; it is set for June first."
"I shall be present," said Mr. Bayard, smilingly elevating his brows. "And Miss Harley: who is she?"
"She's Mr. Harley's daughter, and Senator Hanway's niece. Between us, I hardly feel like reducing my sweetheart's family to bankruptcy on the eve of our nuptials."
"I've known it done, however," returned Mr. Bayard, beating down a chuckle.