“Boland,” he asked, “what have you got against this girl?”
Boland resented the question, but was compelled to answer.
“She wants to marry my son. I don’t think she’s fit to marry him. If she were, she wouldn’t be in a place like this.”
Druce laughed unpleasantly.
“You know very well,” he replied, “that she wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t managed it for you.”
Boland made no reply for this. Druce went on.
“Tell me,” he demanded, “on the square, now, is that all you’ve got against this girl?”
“Just what do you mean by that, Druce?” demanded Boland, eying him calmly.
“Didn’t you know the Welcomes before this girl came into your son’s life?”
Boland turned very pale.