"It seems ridiculous to me," Gorham said, after a moment's silence, "but I will think it over carefully. I am disappointed, I admit, that neither one of my children, especially Alice, should have been a son to perpetuate my name and to continue my work; but that was not to be, and my daughters are all that I could ask." "They are indeed," she assented, feelingly. "I believe Alice realizes your disappointment and actually reproaches herself, poor child, for not being what you wished." "Oh, no!" he protested. "I must set her right on that at once. I admit my disappointment, but that does not lessen my appreciation of my blessings. You and the girls are everything to me--and you have given me more than a son in your wonderful conception--the Consolidated Companies is your child, Eleanor, for without your suggestion of an organization founded upon an altruistic basis I should never have thought of creating this corporation which is now certain to be the greatest power the world has seen." "You give me too much credit, Robert. That was simply a chance suggestion; it was your master mind which gave it life." "It is yours, none the less," Gorham insisted; "and this great corporation may be the means of giving me my son and successor, after all." It was Eleanor's turn to show surprise, but he did not wait for the question which was on her lips. "It is my hope that Alice may marry Covington," he continued, "and I see no reason why this should not be. She is, of course, a free agent, but I think Covington will have little difficulty in winning her. He has an attractive personality, and I know that she already admires and respects him. He is a man of rare ability and is my natural successor." "There seems to be no logical obstacle," Eleanor admitted; "but her heart is yet to be awakened." "As far as that is concerned," Gorham said, decisively, "Alice will not altogether disregard my wishes in the matter; and the awakening will be all the healthier if the child is guided." "We must never do more than guide her," Eleanor said, apprehensively. "I don't intend to. Now tell me something of this youngster who seems to have made quite an impression on my entire family." Mrs. Gorham smiled as her mind reverted to the afternoon. "We had a charming ride," she said. "Allen has an over-developed bump of humor which encourages him to be irresponsible, but he is a likable boy and I enjoyed him." "Probably all he needs is a smaller allowance and a greater necessity."