“What has happened? You speak sarcastically this morning.”

“Do I? Well, I want you to give up this ‘nice gentleman.’”

Claude looked away, but in a moment his gaze came back to his father’s face.

“This man is a rascal,” spoke up the millionaire.

“That’s a pretty bold charge against a friend of mine.”

“Bold or not, it’s true.”

“Who is the accuser?”

“Never mind that.”

“I demand to know. Mr. Richmond has a right to face his accuser, and he will do so.”

“But you haven’t denied the charge of your friend.”