is not considering that point," said Shirley bitterly.
"All he can see is that it is necessary to put this poor old man
in the public pillory, to set him up as a warning to others of his
class not to act in accordance with the principles of Truth and
Justice--not to dare to obstruct the car of Juggernaut set in
motion by the money gods of the country!"

"It's the survival of the fittest, my dear," said Ryder coldly.

"Oh!" cried Shirley, making a last appeal to the financier's heart
of stone, "use your great influence with this governing body for
good, not evil! Urge them to vote not in accordance with party
policy and personal interest, but in accordance with their
consciences--in accordance with Truth and Justice! Ah, for God's
sake, Mr. Ryder! don't permit this foul injustice to blot the name
of the highest tribunal in the Western world!"

Ryder laughed cynically.

"By Jove! Jefferson, I give you credit for having secured an
eloquent advocate!"

"Suppose," went on Shirley, ignoring his taunting comments,
"suppose this daughter promises that she will never--never see
your son again--that she will go away to some foreign country!"

"No!" burst in Jefferson, "why should she? If my father is not man
enough to do a simple act of justice without bartering a woman's
happiness and his son's happiness, let him find comfort in his
self-justification!"

Shirley, completely unnerved, made a move towards the door, unable
longer to bear the strain she was under. She tottered as though
she would fall. Ryder made a quick movement towards his son and
took him by the arm. Pointing to Shirley he said in a low tone:

"You see how that girl pleads your cause for you! She loves you,
my boy!" Jefferson started. "Yes, she does," pursued Ryder, Sr.
"She's worth a thousand of the Rossmore woman. Make her your wife
and I'll--"

"Make her my wife!" cried Jefferson joyously. He stared at his
parent as if he thought he had suddenly been bereft of his senses.

"Make her my wife?" he repeated incredulously.

"Well, what do you say?" demanded Ryder, Sr.

The young man advanced towards Shirley, hands outstretched.

"Yes, yes, Shir--Miss Green, will you?" Seeing that Shirley made
no sign, he said: "Not now, father; I will speak to her later."

"No, no, to-night, at once!" insisted Ryder. Addressing Shirley,
he went on: "Miss Green, my son is much affected by your
disinterested appeal in his behalf. He--he--you can save him from
him