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"Here's a man of business--a man of years--a man of

experience--in a Bank," said Stryver; "and having summed up three

leading reasons for complete success, he says there's no reason

at all! Says it with his head on!" Mr. Stryver remarked upon the

peculiarity as if it would have been infinitely less remarkable

if he had said it with his head off.

"When I speak of success, I speak of success with the young lady;

and when I speak of causes and reasons to make success probable,

I speak of causes and reasons that will tell as such with the

young lady. The young lady, my good sir," said Mr. Lorry, mildly

tapping the Stryver arm, "the young lady. The young lady goes

before all."

"Then you mean to tell me, Mr. Lorry," said Stryver, squaring his

elbows, "that it is your deliberate opinion that the young lady

at present in question is a mincing Fool?"