“Hello, mother!” he cried, running up and hugging her in his boyish, impulsive way. Jefferson had always been devoted to his mother, and while he deplored her weakness in permitting herself to be so completely under the domination of his father, she had always found him an affectionate and loving son.
“Jefferson!” she exclaimed when he released her. “My dear boy, when did you arrive?”
“Only yesterday. I slept at the studio last night. You're looking bully, mother. How's father?”
Mrs. Ryder sighed while she looked her son over proudly. In her heart she was glad Jefferson had turned out as he had. Her boy certainly would never be a financier to be attacked in magazines and books. Answering his question she said:
“Your father is as well as those busybodies in the newspapers will let him be. He's considerably worried just now over that new book ‘The American Octopus.’ How dare they make him out such a monster? He's no worse than other successful business men. He's richer, that's all, and it makes them jealous. He's out driving now with Senator Roberts. Kate is somewhere in the house—in the library, I think.”
“Yes, I found her there,” replied Jefferson dryly. “She was with that cad, Bagley. When is father going to find that fellow out?”
“Oh, Jefferson,” protested his mother, “how can you talk like that of Mr. Bagley. He is such a perfect gentleman. His family connections alone should entitle him to respect. He is certainly the best secretary your father ever had. I'm sure I don't know what we should do without him. He knows everything that a gentleman should.”
“And a good deal more, I wager,” growled Jefferson. “He wasn't groom of the backstairs to England's queen for nothing.” Then changing the topic, he said suddenly: “Talking about Kate, mother, we have got to reach some definite understanding. This talk about my marrying her must stop. I intend to take the matter up with father to-day.”
“Oh, of course, more trouble!” replied his mother in a resigned tone. She was so accustomed to having her wishes thwarted that she was never surprised at anything. “We heard of your goings on in Paris. That Miss Rossmore was there, was she not?”