emptier drawing-rooms, we discussed definitely the amount of money which I ought to stipulate as just, in my estimation, for Elizabeth Ann. I told him I wanted only what was fair and within reason and thought that $50,000 as a trust fund for Mr. Harding's daughter would be equitable. This seemed to me entirely fair in view of the fact that Mr. Harding's estate had been variously reported at from $400,000 to $800,000. In addition to that amount of $50,000, Tim encouraged me to request a minimum of $2,500 for myself, to pay my debts and to leave me a small balance with which to get started in a permanent regime.
Tim reminded me that I could say to Dr. George Tryon Harding that there was a man in Washington who thought enough of Mr. Harding to volunteer to interest four or five other men, each to contribute toward a fund for Elizabeth Ann if the Hardings themselves did not meet their just obligations toward her. I thought this suggestion confirmed in a degree a certain nervous apprehension I had experienced which had led me to anticipate possible unfriendly treatment from the Hardings. I inquired of Tim whether he thought Dr. Harding and his sister would be kind to me, as the latter had been up to this time. He answered with characteristic drollery, "Say, they'll just love you!" Then he added more seriously, "Why, they are afraid of you! You just stand up for your rights!"
Just then George Christian passed through the alley of the Willard with another gentleman. They were busily engaged in conversation and did not see us. "There goes poor old George!" exclaimed Tim, nodding in his direction. This brought us to the discussion of Mr. Christian, Mr. Daugherty, and others, and around to Mr. Brush. Tim said he had no satisfaction from "Brush" or anybody else, but he had sent Brush word that he wanted to see him the very next time he came to Washington. And Tim's tone indicated that Mr. Brush would come a-trotting when that word reached him.
"Tim," I said suddenly, as we sat there reminiscing about Mr. Harding and bygone days and about my marriage-of-convenience to Captain Neilsen, "do you think if this were known publicly
