"Then, of course, I approve," said the other, with his warmest smile. "Jane is a beauty and--I am proud of her." "She is too good for me," lamented Graydon happily. "I can't very well contradict her future husband," said the lawyer. There was a hungry look in his eyes as he glanced from time to time at the face of the boy who had his mother's unforgettable eyes. A messenger brought Mrs. Cable's note to Bansemer soon after his arrival at the office. He and Elias Droom were in the back office when the boy came. They had been discussing the contents of a letter that came in the early mail. The lawyer accepted the note and dismissed the boy with the curt remark that he would telephone an answer in person. "It looks to me as though this is going to be a rather ticklish affair," Droom resumed after the boy had closed the outer door behind him. Bansemer's mind was on Mrs. Cable's note; a queer smile hung on his lips. "I'm rather touched by her astuteness," he said. "She's cleverer than I thought. Oh," suddenly remembering that it was not Mrs. Cable's letter they were discussing, "you always see the dreary side of things, Elias." "I haven't forgotten New York," said the clerk drily. "Ah, but Chicago isn't New York, you know." "Well, I was just reminding you. This man is going to fight back, that is plain." "That's what Mrs. Norwood promised to do, also, Elias. But she was like a lamb in the end." "I wouldn't be very proud of that affair, if I were you." "See here, Droom, you're getting a trifle too familiar of late. I don't like it," said Bansemer sharply. "I beg your pardon, Mr. Bansemer," said Droom, scraping his foot across the floor and looking straight past his master's head. "It's for the good of the cause, that's all. It wouldn't do, on Graydon's account, for you to be driven from Chicago at this time. You see, he thinks you are beyond reproach." "Curse your impudence, Droom, I won't be spoken to in that way," exclaimed Bansemer, white with sudden rage and loathing. "Am I to expect my discharge, sir?" asked Droom, rubbing his hands abjectly, but looking squarely into Bansemer's eyes for the first time in their acquaintance. Bansemer glared back for an instant and then shrugged his shoulders with a nervous laugh. "We shan't quarrel, Elias," he said. "Speaking of Graydon, he is to be married before long." "I trust he is to do well, sir. Graydon is a fine boy." "He is to marry David Cable's daughter." "Indeed? I did not know that David Cable had a daughter." "You know whom I mean--Jane Cable." He turned rather restlessly, conscious that Droom's eyes were following him to the window. He glanced again at Mrs. Cable's note and waited. "I suppose you are pleased," said Droom, after a long pause. "Certainly. Jane is a splendid girl. She's beautiful, accomplished and--well, she's thoroughbred," said Bansemer steadily, turning to face the old man.