“Oh, then you lost the game, did you?”

“Yes, sir.”

“That’s too bad; but you might have discussed it elsewhere than in my private office. Was it necessary to bring your caller in here, my son?”

“No, but he—he just dropped in for a minute. I was writing a letter here, and——”

“Very well,” said the doctor; “but you know I do not wish you to take visitors into my private office. I have told you so before.”

The manner in which his father spoke these words brought a hot flush to Don’s cheeks, but he bit his lip and kept silent. Bentley sidled toward the door, saying:

“I guess I’ll be going.”

Don followed him to the front door and let him out. Outside, Leon paused and snickered, observing:

“You’ll catch it! The old duffer’s hot under the collar, and he’ll give you a raking down.”

“I’ll thank you not to call my father an old duffer!” flashed Don, in a fierce whisper. “I had no business to take you in there, anyway.”