e has chosen his own path in
life. I am grieved to say that his conduct at college, his marriage, has
completely separated him from his family, and I have quite made up my
mind that in no way or manner can his family become identified with any
steps he may take to escape the penalty of his mad act. I am his father,
and I suppose, under the circumstances, I ought to say something. But I
have decided not to. I don't wish to give the American public any excuse
to think that I am paliating or condoning his crime. Gentlemen, I wish
you good-day."

Annie, who had been listening intently, at once saw her opportunity. Mr.
Jeffries had taken no notice of her presence, believing her to be a
newspaper writer like the others. As the reporters took their departure
and filed out of the room, she remained behind. As the last one
disappeared she turned to the banker and said:

"May I speak to you a moment?"

He turned quickly and looked at her in surprise. For the first time he
was conscious of her presence. Bowing courteously, he shook his head:

"I am afraid I can do nothing for you, madam--as I've just explained to
your confreres of the press."

Annie looked up at him, and said boldly:

"I am not a reporter, Mr. Jeffries. I am your son's wife."

The banker started back in amazement. This woman, whom he had taken for
a newspaper reporter, was an interloper, an impostor, the very last
woman in the world whom he would have permitted to be admitted to his
house. He considered that she, as much as anybody else, had contributed
to his son's ruin. Yet what could he do? She was there, and he was too
much of a gentleman to have her turned out bodily. Wondering at his
silence, she repeated softly:

"I'm your son's wife, Mr. Jeffries."

The banker looked at her a moment, as if taking her in from head to
foot. Then he said coldly:

"Madam, I have no son." He hesitated, and added:

"I don't recognize----"

She looked at him pleadingly.

"But I want to speak to you, sir."

Mr. Jeffries shook his head, and moved toward the door.

"I repeat, I have nothing to say."

Annie planted herself directly in his path. He could not reach the door
unless he removed her forcibly.

"Mr. Jeffries," she said earnestly, "please don't refuse to hear
me--please----"

He halted, looking as if he would like to escape, but there was no way
of egress. This determined-looking young woman had him at a
disadvantage.

"I do not think," he said icil