you go?”

“Because,” said Mr. Lorry, “I wouldn’t go on such an object

without having some cause to believe that I should succeed.”

“Dn ME!” cried Stryver, “but this beats everything.”

Mr. Lorry glanced at the distant House, and glanced at the

angry Stryver.

“Here’s a man of businessa man of yearsa man of

experiencein 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.

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“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?”

“Not exactly so. I mean to tell you, Mr. Stryver,” said Mr. Lorry,