“Ye-es, thank you.”
“Why are you going to marry her then—if she'll let you?”
“Now I'm having Joe Powers' railroads and his steamboats and his mines thrown at me, am I not?” he asked lightly.
“No, I don't think that meanly of you. I know you're a victim of ambition, but I don't suppose it would take you that far.”
He gave her an ironical bow. “Thanks for this testimonial of respect. You're right. It wouldn't. I'm going to marry Joe Power's daughter, Deo volente because she is the most interesting woman I know and the most beautiful one.”
“Oh! That's the reason.”
“These, plus a sentimental one which I can't uncover to the cynical eyes of my young cousin that is to be, are my motives; though, mind you, I'm not fool enough to be impervious to the railroads and the ocean liners and the mines you didn't mention. I hope my reasons satisfy you,” he added coolly.
“If they satisfy Val they do me, but very likely you'll find they won't.”
“The doubt adds a fillip to the situation.”
Her eyes had gone from time to time out of the window. Now she gave a sigh of relief. “Here we are at the hospital. Oh, I do hope that poor man is all right!”