"Except the price she asks," interposed the lawyer dryly. Shaking his head, he went on:
"You'll find that a wife's devotion is a very strong motive power, Jeffries. It will move irresistibly forward in spite of all the barriers you and I can erect to stay its progress. That may sound like a platitude, but it's a fact nevertheless."
Alicia, who had been listening with varied emotions to the conversation, now interrupted timidly:
"Perhaps Judge Brewster is right, dear. After all, the girl is working to save your son. Public opinion may think it unnatural——"
The banker turned on his wife. Sternly he said:
"Alicia, I cannot permit you to interfere. That young man is a self-confessed murderer and therefore no son of mine. I've done with him long ago. I cannot be moved by maudlin sentimentality. Please let that be final." Turning to the lawyer, he said coldly:
"So, in the matter of this stage business, you can take no steps to restrain her?"
The lawyer shook his head.
"No, there is nothing I can do." Quickly he added: "Of course, you don't doubt my loyalty to you?"
Mr. Jeffries shook his head.