"Because I regard you as a sensible young man, Prince."
"Thank you. And I suppose you regard your daughter as a sensible young woman?"
"Certainly!" exploded Mr. Blithers.
"Well, it seems to me, she will be capable of taking care of her fortune a great deal more successfully than you imagine, Mr. Blithers. She will doubtless marry an excellent chap who has the capacity to increase her fortune, rather than to let it stand at a figure that some day may be surpassed by the possessions of an ambitious king."
There was fine irony in the Prince's tone but no trace of offensiveness. Nevertheless, Mr. Blithers turned a shade more purple than before, and not from the violence of exercise. He was having some difficulty in controlling his temper. What manner of fool was this fellow who could sneer at five hundred million dollars? He managed to choke back something that rose to his lips and very politely remarked:
"I am sure you will like her, Prince. If I do say it myself, she is as handsome as they grow."
"So I have been told."
"You will see her to-night."
"Really, Mr. Blithers, I cannot—"
"I'll fix it with Mrs. King. Don't you worry."