nything, I may
come to you for advice on how to start it commercially."

"If it doesn't start you heavenward you shall have my advice from a safe
distance. I'll telegraph it," said Austin. "But, if it's not personal,
why on earth have you shaken Neergard?"

And Selwyn answered simply: "I don't like him. That is the reason,
Austin."

The children from the head of the stairs were now shouting demands for
their father; and Austin rose, pretending to grumble:

"Those confounded kids! A man is never permitted a moment to himself. Is
Nina up there, Eileen! Oh, all right. Excuses et cetera; I'll be back
pretty soon. You'll stay to dine, Phil?"

"I don't think so--"

"Yes, he will stay," said Eileen calmly.

And, when Austin had gone, she walked swiftly over to where Selwyn was
standing, and looked him directly in the eyes.

"Is all well with Gerald?"

"Y-yes, I suppose so."

"Is he still with Neergard & Co.?"

"Yes, Eileen."

"And _you_ don't like Mr. Neergard?"

"N-no."

"Then Gerald must not remain."

He said very quietly: "Eileen, Gerald no longer takes me into his
confidence. I am afraid--I know, in fact--that I have little influence
with him now. I am sorry; it hurts; but your brother is his own master,
and he is at liberty to choose his own friends and his own business
policy. I cannot influence him; I have learned that thoroughly. Better
that I retain what real friendship he has left for me than destroy it by
any attempt, however gentle, to interfere in his affairs."

She stood before him, straight, slender, her face grave and troubled.

"I cannot understand," she said, "how he could refuse to listen to a man
like you."

"A man like me, Eileen? Well, if I were worth listening to, no doubt
he'd listen. But the fact remains that I have not been able to hold his
interest--"

"Don't give him up," she said, still looking straight into his eyes. "If
you care for me, don't give him up."

"Care for you, Eileen! You know I do."

"Yes, I know it. So you will not give up Gerald, will you? He is--is
only a boy--you know that; you know he has been--perhaps--indiscreet.
But Gerald is only a boy. Stand by him, Captain Selwyn; because Austin
does not know how to manage him--really he doesn't. . . . There has been
another unpleasant scene between them; Gerald told me."

"Did he tell you why, Eileen?"

"Yes. He told me that he had played cards for money, and he was in debt.
I know that sounds--almost disgr