“Do you mean to say that she has done with you?”

“Yes,” answered Jefferson bitterly.

“Finally?”

“Yes, finally—forever!”

“Does she mean it?” asked Ryder, Sr., sceptically.

“Yes—she will not listen to me while her father is still in peril.”

There was an expression of half amusement, half admiration on the financier's face as he again turned towards the door.

“It's like her, damn it, just like her!” he muttered.

He knocked boldly at the door.

“Who's there?” cried Shirley from within.