"Now, what are we going to do about Jefferson and Kate? The senator insists on the matter of their marriage being settled one way or another. Where is Jefferson?"
"He came in about half an hour ago. He was upstairs to see me, and I thought he was looking for you," answered the wife.
"Well," replied Ryder determinedly, "he and I have got to understand each other. This can't go on. It shan't."
Mrs. Ryder put her hand on his arm, and said pleadingly:
"Don't be impatient with the boy, John. Remember he is all we have. He is so unhappy. He wants to please us, but—"
"But he insists on pleasing himself," said Ryder completing the sentence.
"I'm afraid, John, that his liking for that Miss Rossmore is more serious than you realize—"
The financier stamped his foot and replied angrily:
"Miss Rossmore! That name seems to confront me at every turn—for years the father, now the daughter! I'm sorry, my dear," he went on more calmly, "that you seem inclined to listen to Jefferson. It only encourages him in his attitude towards me. Kate would make him an excellent wife, while what do we know about the other woman? Are you willing to sacrifice your son's future to a mere boyish whim?"
Mrs. Ryder sighed.