"What difference would that make, if the young people love each other?"
"Certainly," Cortlandt agreed. "They are not children."
"As for love, Ramon loves, and—my daughter will love also, once she is married, for she is a Garavel."
"If Ramon isn't satisfactory to her, ought you to force her inclination?" Mrs. Cortlandt offered, eagerly. But the banker flung his arms aloft in a gesture of half-humorous despair.
"Oh-h! These young ladies!" he cried. "They do not know what they want. What pleases to-day, displeases to-morrow. It is 'Yes' and 'No,' 'Yes' and 'No,' until one must decide for them. That, after all, is best." He paused abruptly. "This comes upon me like a flood, my friends. I am swept away, and yet I—I will need to think seriously."
"Certainly."
"To an honorable man the salary will mean nothing. I have many affairs;
I fear I cannot afford this sacrifice."
"Would you retire in favor of some one who could afford it?"
"Alfarez is honest."
"Alfarez cannot be President."