“That's not enough,” insisted Ryder. “There must be at least twenty. Let there be no blunders, Roberts. The man is a menace to all the big commercial interests. This thing must go through.”
The door opened and Jefferson appeared. On seeing the senator talking with his father, he hesitated on the threshold.
“Come in, Jeff,” said his father pleasantly. “You expected to see Senator Roberts, didn't you?”
“Yes, sir. How do you do, Senator?” said the young man, advancing into the room.
“I got your letter, my boy, and here I am,” said the senator smiling affably. “I suppose we can guess what the business is, eh?”
“That he's going to marry Kate, of course,” chimed in Ryder Sr. “Jeff, my lad, I'm glad you are beginning to see my way of looking at things. You're doing more to please me lately, and I appreciate it. You stayed at home when I asked you to, and now you've made up your mind regarding this marriage.”
Jefferson let his father finish his speech, and then he said calmly:
“I think there must be some misapprehension as to the reason for my summoning Senator Roberts to New York. It had nothing to do with my marrying Miss Roberts, but to prevent her marriage with someone else.”
“What!” exclaimed Ryder, Sr.