"Mr. Fenno——" began Judith.
"Let me go on," he begged. "Of course you understand what a declaration you are offering to your friends; what a choice as well. I know your opinion of us; we, Society, are irksome to you. Just as irksome to me, I assure you; I hate my own life. And yet we are a force; in spite of all appearances we are a force for good. Come, you and I are so far apart in age that we cannot be angry with each other. Let me say my say, and when we part let us smile and go our ways."
"Very well," she replied.
"Miss Judith," he said, "there has been an aristocracy in every democracy that lived three generations. Ours is very old, somewhat dried and formal, with a hard crust. Figureheads we are to a degree; rather useless, perhaps. That is why such a girl as you is a blessing to us; a few more years, and you can teach us many, many things. Stay with us; you mustn't go off in the wrong direction."
She made no answer.
"This man Ellis," he pursued. "You cannot bring him in. Believe me, it is impossible. You must choose between us."
"What if I make the choice?" she inquired.
"And choose against us? You would be sorry. My dear, what has blinded your eyes? I know you admire his energy, his immense capacities. But those are not everything. Ellis is not honest."
"Mr. Fenno!" she cried, starting.
"I have watched him," he went on steadily, "since first he came to town. I know his methods. Where did he get his money?"