know that I consider it an insult. My father took
his life after an interview with you, during which I
understand that you rejected a business proposition of his
in terms which I cannot help suspecting, from your attitude
while I was present, were unnecessarily brutal. Under those
circumstances, you can scarcely wonder that I, his
daughter, feel the greatest resentment at your offer and
decline without the slightest hesitation your proposal of
friendship.

Yours truly,
Sybil Bultiwell.

Jacob read the letter as he sat out amongst his roses, with the engine
of his motor-car purring in the street, waiting to take him to town.
For a few moments all the joy of his new prosperity seemed to slip
away from him. The perfume of his cherished flowers lost its
sweetness; the pleasant view of spreading meadows, with their
background of dim blue hills, faded from before his eyes. He
remembered the girl's face as he had first seen and afterwards dreamed
of it, the eyes shining with kindliness, the proud lips smiling
encouragement, her tone purposely softened, leading him on to talk
about himself, his pleasant hobbies, his dawning ambitions. And then
again he thought of her as she must have looked when she sat down
to write that letter, amidst the discomfort of a dismantled home,
embittered and saddened by the sordid approach of ignominious poverty.
He shivered a little and looked up as Dauncey approached.

"I almost wish," he declared, "that I had bought that old swindler's
business. It wouldn't have cost me a tenth part of what I am worth."

"Has the girl been unkind?" his friend asked.

Jacob showed him the letter.

"She's not generous," was Dauncey's comment, as he returned it.

"She's loyal, at any rate," Jacob replied.

Dauncey's face suddenly softened. His wife was leaning over the gate
waving her hand. His eyes watched her retreating figure until she
disappeared.

"Somehow or other," he ventured a little hesitatingly, as he turned
back to Jacob, "I can't help thinking that the tone of that letter
isn't altogether womanly. She must know the truth about her father's
position. It doesn't seem fair to blame you for your perfectly
reasonable attitude."

"Why, even you thought I was hard at the time," Jacob reminded him.

"You were hard but you were just, and your offer to the young lady and
her mother should certainly have evoked so