I couldn't stand it myself. The other night I had to go
to Talcott's uncle's to dine, and how I wished that I was home! The
uncle is a respectable old man, too, who has never done anything
either, and all he talked about was terrapin and gout. When he had
finished with them in the smoking-room, his mind seemed exhausted, and
he left me to the mercy of another man who tried to pump me about
International Steel common. Is that pleasure?" Rufus Blight waved his
cigar with a gesture of contempt. "I suppose Penelope would be
perfectly safe with such people if anything happened to me; but would
she be happy? Mrs. Bannister says that I should be satisfied to have
her marry into a family so eminently respectable, and I suppose I
should."

He looked at me, asking my opinion.

"Undoubtedly the Talcotts are highly respectable," said I. "They are
one of the few old families who have succeeded in maintaining their
position in New York."

"That is just what Mrs. Bannister says," he returned. "They are
certainly very kindly, and could not have treated Penelope better than
they have. Talcott's aunt has Penelope with her all the time. I
suppose I should be satisfied." He hesitated a moment. "But, confound
it, David, don't you see, I am not? Sometimes I think it must be
because I am jealous, and I try to put that feeling away and to look
impartially at Penelope's happiness. Then I must agree with Mrs.
Bannister. Here is Talcott, a young man of good family, of exemplary
conduct. The only thing against him is an idle life; but if he doesn't
have to work, why should he? Yet it seems to me that Penelope is not
the kind of woman who would be satisfied with a husband who sat around
the house all day and found his main interest in terrapin and gout.
Can't you see my predicament, David?"

He rose and paced the room. Twice he circled the table, while I sat in
silence watching him. Then he halted at the fireplace and stood there,
forgetfully warming his hands at an imaginary blaze. After a moment he
faced me. "I know about making steel, David, but in matters like this
I am utterly lost. How I wish Hendry were here to advise me!"

My opportunity had come more easily than I had expected. "I can help
you, perhaps," said I, "for I have seen him."

"You have seen him?" cried Rufus Blight, and he crossed the room to me
in great excitement. "When, David, and where?"

"Here in New York."

"Splendid! And he is coming to