he evening, but he was strong enough
to hide his misgivings, and to do his duty as host with seeming
cheerfulness.

CHAPTER XLIX

"Where Is Guatemala?"

Though his daughter's words to him had been very wild they did almost
more to convince Mr. Wharton that he should not give his money to
his son-in-law than even the letters which had passed between them.
To Emily herself he spoke very little as to what had occurred that
evening. "Papa," she said, "do not ask me anything more about it. I
was very miserable,--because of the dinner." Nor did he at that time
ask her any questions, contenting himself with assuring her that, at
any rate at present, and till after her baby should have been born,
she must remain in Manchester Square. "He won't hurt me," said Mr.
Wharton, and then added with a smile, "He won't have to have any more
dinner-parties while I am here."

Nor did he make any complaint to Lopez as to what had been done, or
even allude to the dinner. But when he had been back about a week he
announced to his son-in-law his final determination as to money. "I
had better tell you, Lopez, what I mean to do, so that you may not be
left in doubt. I shall not intrust any further sum of money into your
hands on behalf of Emily."

"You can do as you please, sir,--of course."

"Just so. You have had what to me is a very considerable sum,--though
I fear that it did not go for much in your large concerns."

"It was not very much, Mr. Wharton."

"I dare say not. Opinions on such a matter differ, you know. At any
rate, there will be no more. At present I wish Emily to live here,
and you, of course, are welcome here also. If things are not going
well with you, this will, at any rate, relieve you from immediate
expense."

"My calculations, sir, have never descended to that."

"Mine are more minute. The necessities of my life have caused me to
think of these little things. When I am dead there will be provision
for Emily made by my will,--the income going to trustees for her
benefit, and the capital to her children after her death. I thought
it only fair to you that this should be explained."

"And you will do nothing for me?"

"Nothing;--if that is nothing. I should have thought that your
present maintenance and the future support of your wife and children
would have been regarded as something."

"It is nothing;--nothing!"

"Then let it be nothing. Good morning."

Two days after that Lopez recurred to the s