"No," and Marshall moved restlessly.
"Are you quite frank with me, Marshall?" asked the judge with that rare gentleness of voice and manner that only his son knew.
"Quite."
"Because it would be better to make every sacrifice and be rid of the obligation."
Another long pause followed in which there came to the ears of the two men the sound of a noisy waltz that Evelyn was playing. Again it was the judge who broke the oppressive silence.
"I came here to-night, Marshall, because there is a matter I must discuss with you. Perhaps you will tell me what you and Gilmore have done with Joe Montgomery?"
Marshall had sought to prepare himself against the time when this very question should be asked him, but the color left his cheeks.
"I don't think I know what you mean," he said slowly.
His father made an impatient gesture.
"Don't tell me that! What has become of Montgomery? Look at me! Two nights ago he came to see me; I had sent for him; I had learned from Nellie that he had practically deserted her. I learned further from the man himself that you and Gilmore were largely responsible for this."