ignation with which
she endured her husband's misfortunes. His father listened for the most
part in silence, until coming at last to the conclusion, that there was
nothing to be gained by that policy he waited until his wife had left
the dining-room one evening and ventured a solemn protest.

"She is a very nice girl," said the delighted Robert.

"Just so," said his father, leaning toward a candle and lighting his
cigar, "although perhaps that is hardly the way to speak of a married
woman."

"And we have been friends for a long time," said Robert.

Mr. Vyner coughed dryly.

"Just so," he said again.

"Why shouldn't I go and see her when I like?" said Robert, after a
pause.

"She is another man's wife," said his father, "and it is a censorious
world."

Robert Vyner looked down at the cloth. "If she were not, I suppose
there would be some other objection?" he said gloomily.

Mr. Vyner laid his cigar on the side of a plate and drew himself up. "My
boy," he said impressively, "I don't think I deserve that. Both your
mother and myself would--ha--always put your happiness before our own
private inclinations."

He picked up his cigar again and placing it in his mouth looked the
personification of injured fatherhood.

"Do you mean," said Robert, slowly, "do you mean that if she were single
you would be willing for me to marry her?"

"It is no good discussing that," said Mr. Vyner with an air of great
consideration.

"But would you?" persisted his son.

Mr. Vyner was a very truthful man as a rule, but there had been
instances--he added another.

"Yes," he said with a slight gasp.

Robert sprang up with a haste that overturned his coffee, and seizing
his father's hand shook it with enthusiasm. Mr. Vyner somewhat affected,
responded heartily.

"Anything possible for you, Bob," he said, fervently, "but this is
impossible."

His son looked at him. "I have never known you to go back on your word,"
he said emphatically.

"I never have," said Mr. Vyner.

"Your word is your bond," said Robert smiling at him. "And now I want to
tell you something."

"Well," said the other, regarding him with a little uneasiness.

"She is not married," said Robert, calmly.

Mr. Vyner started up and his cigar fell unheeded to the floor.

[Illustration: His cigar fell unheeded to the floor 308]

"_What!_" he said, loudly.

"She is not married," repeated his son.

Mr. Vyner sank back in his chair again and looking round