eed
some place that you can call a home. The whole difficulty will be with
Bevy. Ever since that miserable puppy made those charges against me I
haven't been able to talk to her at all. She doesn't seem to want to
do anything I suggest. You have much more influence with her than I
have. If you explain, it may be all right."

Instantly Cowperwood saw an opportunity. Intensely pleased with this
confession of weakness on the part of the mother, he went to Berenice,
but by his usual method of indirect direction.

"You know, Bevy," he said, one afternoon when he found her alone, "I
have been wondering if it wouldn't be better if I bought a large house
for you and your mother here in New York, where you and she could do
entertaining on a large scale. Since I can't spend my money on myself,
I might as well spend it on some one who would make an interesting use
of it. You might include me as an uncle or father's cousin or
something of that sort," he added, lightly.

Berenice, who saw quite clearly the trap he was setting for her, was
nonplussed. At the same time she could not help seeing that a house,
if it were beautifully furnished, would be an interesting asset.
People in society loved fixed, notable dwellings; she had observed
that. What functions could not be held if only her mother's past were
not charged against her! That was the great difficulty. It was almost
an Arabian situation, heightened by the glitter of gold. And
Cowperwood was always so diplomatic. He came forward with such a
bland, engaging smile. His hands were so shapely and seeking.

"A house such as you speak of would enlarge the debt beyond payment, I
presume," she remarked, sardonically and with a sad, almost
contemptuous gesture. Cowperwood realized how her piercing intellect
was following his shifty trail, and winced. She must see that her fate
was in his hands, but oh! if she would only surrender, how swiftly
every dollar of his vast fortune should be piled humbly at her feet.
She should have her heart's desire, if money would buy it. She could
say to him go, and he would go; come, and he would come.

"Berenice," he said, getting up, "I know what you think. You fancy I
am trying to further my own interests in this way, but I'm not. I
wouldn't compromise you ultimately for all the wealth of India. I have
told you where I stand. Every dollar that I have is yours to do with
as you choose on any basis that you may care to name. I ha