The Powers' millions could easily buy for
her a fine old dukedom if she wanted one. At present there was
more than one available title-holder on her horizon. But Valencia
did not care to take up the responsibilities that go with such a
position. She was too indolent to adapt her life to the standards
of others--and perhaps too proud. Moreover, it happened that she
had had enough of the club man type in the late lamented Van Tyle.
This man was a worker. He would not annoy her or interfere with
her careless pleasures. Again she asked herself, Why not?
"I suppose you really do like me." Her face was tilted in gay
little appeal.
"I'm not going to tell you how much. It wouldn't be good for
discipline in the house."
Her soft little laugh bubbled over. "We seem to have quite settled
it. And I hadn't the slightest notion of agreeing to anything so
ridiculous when I ventured that indiscreet remark about an
abduction." She looked up at him with smiling insolence. "You're
only an adventurer, you know. I daresay you haven't even paid for
the car in which you were going to kidnap me."
"No," he admitted cheerfully.
"I wonder what Dad will think of it,"
"He'll thank Heaven you didn't present him with a French or
Italian count to support.
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