"I ought to tell you, sir, that I am not on good terms with my father, at present. In fact, he has cast me off. That is why I am here supporting myself by hard work, instead of living in idleness. But I'm beginning to like the work--and I'll make good--I'll do it if only to show my father his mistake. That's what I care about most. I don't want his money. It's easier to make money than I thought. But I must succeed, for his sake and my own." Despite his embarrassment, his face shone with sudden enthusiasm. He looked purposeful and aggressive, with a certain sternness that sat well upon his young manhood. Garavel lifted his brows. "May I inquire the cause of this--estrangement?" "Oh, general worthlessness on my part, I suppose. Come to think of it, I must have been a good deal of a cross. I never did anything very fierce, though." He smiled a little sadly. "I don't wonder that I fail to impress you." A quick light of thought flashed through the banker's eyes. He was a keen judge of men. "Well, well," he said, with a trace of impatience, "there is no need to go into the matter further. Your proposal is impossible--for many reasons it is impossible, and yet--your spirit is commendable." "Does that mean you won't even allow me to see your daughter?" "It would be useless." "But I love Gertrudis," said Kirk, desperately. Garavel looked a trifle pitying. "You are by no means the first," he said; "I have been besieged by many, who say always the same thing--without Gertrudis they cannot, they will not, they should not live. And yet I have heard of no deaths. At first I was greatly concerned about them--poor fellows--but most of them are married now, so I not do take your words too seriously." He laughed good-naturedly. "You unemotional Americans do not love at first sight." "_I_ do, sir." "Tut! It is but admiration for a beautiful girl who--I say it--is wicked enough to enjoy creating havoc. Take time, my boy, and you will smile at this madness. Now, let us talk of something else." "It is no use, sir, I have it bad." "But when you make such a request as this, you assume to know the young lady's wishes in the matter." "Not at all. Without your consent I don't believe she'd allow herself to even like me. That is why I want to fix it with you first." "In that, at least, you are quite right, for Gertrudis is a good girl, and obedient, as a general rule; but--it is impossible. Her marriage has been arranged." "Do you think that is quite fair to her? If she loves Ramon Alfarez---" Once again Garavel's brows signalled surprise. "Ah, you know?" "Yes, sir. I was about to say, if she really loves him, I can't make any difference; but suppose she should care for me?"