Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/332

 "Neither am I. Now, you select a wife for me, and I'll select a wife for you. Whichever of us marries first, this money forms at least part of his wife's dowry. Until one or other of us marries, the money lies in trust in custody of this Club."

There was great cheering at this proposition, while Lieutenant Grunwald made no answer, but glared across the table at the genial Stranleigh.

"I call that a munificent offer," approved the Duc, "when you remember that the money belongs entirely, unquestionably to Lord Stranleigh."

"No matter for that," declared his lordship. "Now, Lieutenant, name the lady."

The Lieutenant, with a scowl, said—

"I name the Princess Azelie of Austria."

Stranleigh laughed.

"You see, gentlemen, how clever he is? He has beaten me in this contest of wits. The lady in question," Stranleigh bowed deeply, "from the proudest Court in Europe, will reject my suit with scorn, and serve me right. I name, as Lieutenant Grunwald's wife, Fraulein Seidel, of Vienna, with whom the Lieutenant is already acquainted."

A month later the impounded fortune was claimed by the Lieutenant, and paid over to his bride.