“He is the funniest little man,” Evelyn ventured to say.
“That is no way, child, to speak of the son of a duke,” said Mavick, relaxing a little.
Carmen did not like the tone in which this was said, but she prudently kept silent. And presently Evelyn continued:
“He asked for you, papa, and said he wanted to pay his respects.”
“I am glad he wants to pay anything,” was the ungracious answer. Still Evelyn was not to be put down.
“It was such a bright day in the Park. What were you doing all day, papa?”
“Why, my dear, I was engaged in Research; you will be pleased to know. Looking after those ten millions.”
When the dinner was over, Carmen followed Mr. Mavick to his study.
“What is the matter, Tom?”
“Nothing uncommon. It's a beastly hole down there. The Board used to be made up of gentlemen. Now there are such fellows as Ault, a black-hearted scoundrel.”