“Well, I warn you, then, that, unless you show some consideration for the dignity of your family and the honor of your position it will make a difference in my will. I can’t go on countenancing this thing, and not be a party to it morally and every other way. I won’t do it. You can leave her, or you can marry her. You certainly ought to do one or the other. If you leave her, everything will be all right. You can make any provision for her you like. I have no objection to that. I’ll gladly pay whatever you agree to. You will share with the rest of the children, just as I had planned. If you marry her it will make a difference. Now do as you please. But don’t blame me. I love you. I’m your father. I’m doing what I think is my bounden duty. Now you think that over and let me know.” Lester sighed. He saw how hopeless this argument was. He felt that his father probably meant what he said, but how could he leave Jennie, and justify himself to himself? Would his father really cut him off? Surely not. The old gentleman loved him even now—he could see it. Lester felt troubled and distressed; this attempt at coercion irritated him. The idea—he, Lester Kane, being made to do such a thing to throw Jennie down. He stared at the floor. Old Archibald saw that he had let fly a telling bullet. “Well,” said Lester finally, “there’s no use of our discussing it any further now—that’s certain, isn’t it? I can’t say what I’ll do. I’ll have to take time and think. I can’t decide this offhand.” The two looked at each other. Lester was sorry for the world’s attitude and for his father’s keen feeling about the affair. Kane senior was sorry for his son, but he was determined to see the thing through. He wasn’t sure whether he had converted Lester or not, but he was hopeful. Maybe he would come around yet. “Good-by, father,” said Lester, holding out his hand. “I think I’ll try and make that two-ten train. There isn’t anything else you wanted to see me about?” “No.” The old man sat there after Lester had gone, thinking deeply. What a twisted career! What an end to great possibilities? What a foolhardy persistence in evil and error! He shook his head. Robert was wiser. He was the one to control a business. He was cool and conservative. If Lester were only like that. He thought and thought. It was a long time before he stirred. And still, in the bottom of his heart, his erring son continued to appeal to him. CHAPTER XL