Portia said 'Papa, he has said he wouldn't take any job you can give him; and I feel just as hurt as -'.

'My darling, is that your papa?'

'Yes; he's my step-papa, and the dearest one ever. You understand now, don't you, why I was able to laugh when you told me everything at the ambassador's? You did not know that we were related. What trouble and worry papa's and Uncle Abel's little plan was giving you!'

Of course, I spoke right up now. Without any fooling I went straight to the point.

'Oh, my dearest dear sir, I want to take back what I said. You have got a job available that I want. Son-in-law.'

'Well, well, well! But you know, you haven't ever done that job before. So of course, you can't supply a reference that would satisfy the conditions of the contract, and so - '