open matrimonial market, so he determined to attempt a raid and carry off an heiress under her father’s nose, and the particular proboscis he had selected was that of his employer’s friend, Senator Roberts.  The senator and Miss Roberts were frequently at the Ryder House and in course of time the aristocratic secretary and the daughter had become quite intimate.  A flighty girl, with no other purpose in life beyond dress and amusement and having what she termed “a good time,” Kate thought it excellent pastime to flirt with Mr. Bagley, and when she discovered that he was serious in his attentions she felt flattered rather than indignant.  After all, she argued, he was of noble birth.  If his two brothers died he would be peer of England, and she had enough money for both.  He might not make a bad husband.  But she was careful to keep her own counsel and not let her father have any suspicion of what was going on.  She knew that his heart was set on her marrying Jefferson Ryder and she knew better than anyone how impossible that dream was.  She herself liked Jefferson quite enough to marry him, but if his eyes were turned in another direction—­and she knew all about his attentions to Miss Rossmore—­she was not going to break her heart about it.  So she continued to flirt secretly with the Honourable Fitzroy while she still led the Ryders and her own father to think that she was interested in Jefferson.

“Jorkins,” Mr. Bagley was saying to the butler, “Mr. Ryder will occupy the library on his return.  See that he is not disturbed.”

“Yes, sir,” replied the butler respectfully.  The man turned to go when the secretary called him back.

“And, Jorkins, you will station another man at the front entrance.  Yesterday it was left unguarded, and a man had the audacity to address Mr. Ryder as he was getting out of his carriage.  Last week a reporter tried to snapshot him.  Mr. Ryder was furious.  These things must not happen again, Jorkins.  I shall hold you responsible.”

“Very good, sir.”  The butler bowed and went downstairs.  The secretary looked up and saw Jefferson.  His face reddened and his manner grew nervous.

“Hello!  Back from Europe, Jefferson?  How jolly!  Your mother will be delighted.  She’s in her room upstairs.”

Declining to take the hint, and gathering from Bagley’s embarrassed manner that he wanted to get rid of him, Jefferson lingered purposely.  When the butler had disappeared, he said: 

“This house is getting more and more like a barracks every day.  You’ve got men all over the place.  One can’t move a step without falling over one.”

Mr. Bagley drew himself up stiffly, as he always did when assuming an air of authority.

“Your father’s personality demands the utmost precaution,” he replied.  “We cannot leave the life of the richest and most powerful financier in the world at the mercy of the rabble.”

“What rabble?” inquired Jefferson, amused.