"Rudolph's father?"
"Yes. Rudolph was then eighteen years of age, Laura and I fifteen. My mother fell in love with Colonel Zirknitz, and hearing that she was rich, he married her. But I am sure that he never loved her. We went to Vienna and lived there for some time. Our stepfather was not unkind, and treated my mother with every courtesy, but he was a gambler and a spendthrift."
"I see. The vices of Zirknitz are hereditary!"
Janet sighed. "I suppose so," said she, "but you must not be too hard on Rudolph, doctor. His failings are hardly vices. He has many good qualities."
"Mostly negative qualities, I fear, Miss Gordon. You are fascinated by that splendid scamp, like everyone else."
"That may be. Rudolph has not a fine character, and I have rather a contempt for him. All the same I am fond of him, although sometimes I feel angry for being so. Of course, Rudolph grew up with me, so to speak, and I look upon him as a brother. He was always wild; he has never done anything all his life, and although I have great influence over him I cannot get him to settle down."
"Is Colonel Zirknitz alive?" asked Ellis, anxious that she should proceed with her story.
"No, he died some time ago, but lived long enough to spend all my mother's fortune."
"And is she dead also?"
"Yes, she is dead," sighed Janet. "She died six months after her husband. I believe the loss of him broke her heart. He was a singularly fascinating man."