"Well, I'll be tinker-dammed!"
"I mean… Really, sir, it is better that I should return at once to the city. I'm a rotter."
"Don't be a fool! Take your grips back to your room, and don't let's have any more nonsense. Finish up that report from Brazil; and if you handle it right, I'll take you into the office where you'll be away from the women folks."
Thomas' heart went down in despair.
"Mrs. Killigrew can find another secretary for the bureau. I shan't say a word to her, and I'll see that Kitty doesn't. You've had your breakfast. Go and finish up that report. Williams," Killigrew called to the second man, "take Mr. Webb's grips up to his rooms. I'll see you later, Thomas," and Killigrew made off for the breakfast-room, where he chuckled at odd times, much to his wife's curiosity. But he shook his head when she quizzed him.
"You agree with me, Molly, don't you, that Kitty shall marry when and where she pleases?"
"Certainly, Daniel. I don't believe in ready-made matches."
"No more do I. Molly, old girl, I've slathers of money. I could quit now; but I'm healthy and can't play all day. Got to work some of the time. Every one around here shall do as they please. And,"—slyly—"if Kitty should want to marry Thomas…"
"Thomas?"
"Anything against the idea?"