Another pause followed and they walked on.
“Alexander Junior said I was a failure,” observed Ralston at last. “That was some time ago.”
“Oh—was that the trouble?”
Bright did not seem to expect any reply to the question, but his tone was thoughtful.
“Yes,” answered Ralston, with a short, discontented laugh. “He said that I was of no use whatever, that I never did anything and never should.”
“That settled it, I suppose.”
“Yes. That settled it. There was nothing more to be said—on his side, at least.”
“And how about your side?”
“We shall see.”
Ralston shut his lips viciously and his clean-cut, prominent chin looked determined enough.