The three men talk late. The two young people on the porch have no duenna, for Mrs. Grandon retired early,--indeed, she has left Miss Murray quite to Violet, and she thinks if Eugene lets slip this chance he will be foolish above what is written. He plays at love,--it is no new thing for him,--but he convinces "Polly" without any actual questions and answers that he cares for her, and the next morning there is a delicate little triumph in her demeanor, a tender overflow of pity, as if, after all, she might not take him, and then he would be heart-broken. Violet is much better. She thrusts her secret out of sight, and Floyd is brief and business-like, something more, but he would be much too proud to own it. "Violet," he says, "you must go to Mr. Sherburne's with me this morning. Your father deputed that gentleman and myself to act in your behalf if at any time we should have an offer to dispose of his inventions. His dream has been more than realized, and I am glad to have it go into the hands of men who will do justice to it. I shall also dispose of the share in the factory, and that part will be settled." "Eugene----" she says, with a certain tremulousness, and she cannot keep the color out of her face. "Will he be--will----" "I have advised Eugene to dispose of his part. He has no head, no desire, and no ambition for business. But whatever he does, it is now in my power to settle my father's estate, and I shall be glad to do it." There is a discernible hardness in his voice. She seems to shrink a little from him, and he feels strangely resentful. Mrs. Grandon has a talk with her son before he goes. The new firm have made her an offer to pay down a certain amount, or, if she insists, the stated income shall be kept for the present. "I certainly should take their offer," says Floyd. "Your income will not be as large, but on the one hand it would die with you, and on the other you are more independent. I will add to it ten thousand dollars." "You are very kind," she says, with a touch of gratitude. "But Eugene will be thrown out of business, and your father _did_ hope it would remain in the family. He was so proud of his standing." "I have counselled and besought Eugene, and it is pouring water in a sieve." "He should have married Violet," she says, in a tone that avenges madame. "If you had waited----" Floyd is deathly pale for an instant. If he _had_ waited. If this useless money could belong to Eugene. "You will be ready this afternoon," and he leaves the room.