se trying times that
have come upon you this past year, when I have been a witness to the
depth of feeling you've shown and your quiet consideration for your
grandfather and for everyone else around you. I just want to add that I
think you'll find an honest pleasure now in industry and frugality
that wouldn't have come to you in a more frivolous career. The law is a
jealous mistress and a stern mistress, but a--"

George had stood before him in great and increasing embarrassment; and
he was unable to allow the address to proceed to its conclusion.

"I can't do it!" he burst out. "I can't take her for my mistress."

"What?"

"I've come to tell you, I've got to find something that's quicker. I
can't--"

Old Frank got a little red. "Let's sit down," he said. "What's the
trouble?"

George told him.

The old gentleman listened sympathetically, only murmuring: "Well,
well!" from time to time, and nodding acquiescence.

"You see she's set her mind on this apartment," George explained. "She's
got some old cronies there, and I guess she's been looking forward to
the games of bridge and the kind of harmless gossip that goes on in such
places. Really, it's a life she'd like better than anything else--better
than that she's lived at home, I really believe. It struck me she's
just about got to have it, and after all she could hardly have anything
less."

"This comes pretty heavily upon me, you know," said old Frank. "I got
her into that headlight company, and she fooled me about her resources
as much as she did your Uncle George. I was never your father's adviser,
if you remember, and when the insurance was turned over to her some
other lawyer arranged it--probably your father's. But it comes pretty
heavily on me, and I feel a certain responsibility."

"Not at all. I'm taking the responsibility."

And George smiled with one corner of his mouth. "She's not your aunt,
you know, sir."

"Well, I'm unable to see, even if she's yours, that a young man is
morally called upon to give up a career at the law to provide his aunt
with a favourable opportunity to play bridge whist!"

"No," George agreed. "But I haven't begun my 'career at the law' so it
can't be said I'm making any considerable sacrifice. I'll tell you how
it is, sir." He flushed, and, looking out of the streaked and smoky
window beside which he was sitting, spoke with difficulty. "I feel as
if--as if perhaps I had one or two pretty important things in my life