"Do you disapprove of me?"
"How the devil can I? I don't know you. If you make my little girl a good husband, I'll love you like a son; if you don't, I'll—kill you. You look all right; but there's no use talking.... You show me what stuff you're made of, and I'll do my part."
"All right," said Inwood, smiling.
Something in his smile interested Rivett.
"Was your mother a Lawrence?" he demanded suddenly.
"She was born Elizabeth Lawrence."
"Betty Lawrence," he repeated, staring at the younger man.
"Did you know her?" asked Inwood.
"I taught her in school.... Betty Lawrence.... Only two people ever smiled like that—you and your mother.... You have good blood in you, Inwood.... I know your father—in Wall Street. We are on good terms.... Don't ever be a fool again, will you?"
"No, sir."