indecision. Something told him that he really ought to refrain from
talking about the cost of things, even in the bosom of his family. He
had heard that only vulgarians speak of their possessions. "Now,
there's no reason in the world why we shouldn't consider his offer.
He--"

"Offer?" she cried, aghast. "He has made no offer, Will. He doesn't
even know that Maud is in existence. How can you say such a thing?"

"I was merely looking ahead, that's all. My motto is 'Look Ahead.'
You know it as well as I do. Where would I be to-day if I hadn't
looked ahead and seen what was going to happen before the other
fellow had his eyes open? Will you tell me that? Where, I say? What's
more, where would I be now if I hadn't looked ahead and seen what a
marriage with the daughter of Judge Morton would mean to me in the
long run?" He felt that he had uttered a very pretty and convincing
compliment." I never made a bad bargain in my life, Lou, and it
wasn't guess-work when I married you. You, my dear old girl, you were
the solid foundation on which I--"

"I know," she said wearily; "you've said it a thousand times: 'The
foundation on which I built my temple of posterity'--yes, I know,
Will. But I am still unalterably opposed to making ourselves
ridiculous in the eyes of Mr. and Mrs. King."

"Ridiculous? I don't understand you."

"Well, you will after you think it over," she said quietly, and he
scowled in positive perplexity.