"Jack," said his father, "why did you come here to tell me this?"
"Mother said I had better."
"Your mother!" he exclaimed, horrified.
"Yes; I told her first, of course—even before I spoke to Silvette."
"She never said—one—word to me," murmured Rivett vacantly.
"She promised not to before I would tell her."
"Do you mean to say that your mother approves?"
"She said she would if you did.... And all I ask of you is to invite Silvette to overlook what I've said and done, and request her to remain."
"If she doesn't care for you," said Mr. Rivett, "what do you want her to remain for?"
Jack's eye met his father's.