Why, in the land of ready
money I'm only a third-rater, but I've got the four hundred million, all
right."
"But have you any social position?" asked the Governor-General. "Any
rank? Any title? Over here those things count for a great deal."
"I am Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks," said the visitor calmly.
"Really!"
"I am a Knight Templar."
"A knight? That is certainly something."
"Do you see this badge with all the jewels in it? That means that I am a
Noble of the Mystic Shrine."
"I can see that it is the insignia of a very distinguished order," said
the Governor-General, as he touched it admiringly.
"What is more, I am King of the Hoo-Hoos."
"A king?"
"A sure-enough king. Now, don't you worry about my wealth or my title.
I've got money to burn and I can travel in any company. The thing for us
to do is to get together and find a good husband for the cripple, and
fix up this whole marriage deal. But before we go into it I want to meet
your daughter and find out exactly how I stand with her."
"That will be unnecessary, and also impossible. Whatever arrangements
you make with me may be regarded as final. My daughter will obey my
wishes."
"Not for mine! I am not trying to marry any girl that isn't just as keen
for me as I am for her.
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