mechanically
for his cigar, found it tracing a design on the carpet.

"D------n," he said fervently, as he stooped to remove it. He tossed it
in his plate and leaning back glared at his son.

"Do you mean that she didn't marry Trimblett?" he inquired in a
trembling voice.

"Yes."

Mr. Vyner drew the cigar-box toward him and selecting a cigar with great
care, nipped off the end and, having lighted it, sat smoking in silence.

"This is very extraordinary," he said at last watching his son's eyes.

"I suppose she had a reason," said Robert in a matter-of-fact voice.

Mr. Vyner winced. He began to realize the state of affairs and sat
trembling in impotent. Then he rose and paced up and down. He thought
of his veiled threats to Hartley, the idea that his son should know of
them added his anger.

"You are of full age," he said bitterly, "and have your own
income--now."

Robert flushed and then turned pale.

"I will give that up if you wish, provided you'll retain Hartley," he
said, quietly.

Mr. Vyner continued his perambulation smoked furiously and muttered
something "forcing conditions upon him."

"I can't leave Hartley in the lurch," said he quietly. "It's not his
fault. I can look to myself."

Mr. Vyner stopped and regarded him. "Don't be a fool," he said, shortly.
"If it wasn't for mother--"

His son repressed a smile by an effort and feel more at ease. One of
Mrs. Vyner's privileges was to serve as an excuse for any display of
weakness of which her husband might be guilty.

"This pretended marriage will be a further scandal," said Mr. Vyner,
frowning. "What are you going to tell people?"

"Nothing," said Robert.

"Do you think it is conducive to discipline to marry the daughter of my
chief clerk?" continued his father.

Robert shook his head.

"No," he said, decidedly. "I have been thinking of that. It would be
better to give him a small interest in the firm--equal to his salary,
say."

Well aware of the uses of physical exercise at moments of mental stress,
Mr. Vyner started on his walk again. He began to wonder whether, after
all, he ought to consider his wife's feelings in the matter.

"She is a very nice girl," said Robert, after watching him for some
time. "I wish you knew her."

Mr. Vyner waved the remark away with a large impatient hand.

"She declines to marry me against your wishes," continued his son, "but
now that you have given your consent--"

The room suddenly became too sm