“Why?” “How can I let my ward marry a man like Roderick?” “My son is a fine fellow,” said Usher. “He 's an infernal scamp,” said Matthew, “and you know it.” “He has been a little wild, I allow,” said Usher, indulgently. “But all young men sow their wild oats. Even you, Matthew, have committed indiscretions--” “And I've paid for them a million times over,” said Matthew. “My God! I have paid the uttermost farthing.” He passed his hand with a quick movement across his face, as if to wipe out a sudden contortion of features. “We needn't discuss the matter,” he said in business tones. “I shall not give my consent.” “I don't understand why it is necessary,” said Usher. Matthew put him briefly into possession of the facts that Sylvester had disclosed to Roderick. “They will marry without your consent,” said Usher. Matthew laughed. “It takes two to make a marriage, Usher.” Usher looked at him dully and sighed. “I did not expect this ungenerosity from you, Matthew. Remember I am a father. I have always been a most affectionate father. My affection has always stood in my way. I plead for my poor son.” “Your poor son! Why, I've supported him in comfort all his life. He earns a decent living himself, and twice I have saved him from gaol. By George, sir, he would have got there--and richly deserved it. If you think I'm going to give my consent to Ella marrying that confounded attitudinising swindler, you take me for a greater rascal than yourself.” Matthew got up and walked about the room. He was not a man who easily lost his temper, but the idea of this marriage infuriated him. Usher lifted a deprecating hand. “Perhaps it can be arranged,” said he. “No, it can't. So you can go.” “We will withdraw our claim for five thousand pounds.” “Where do you suppose I'm to find five thousand pounds?” “You can do what you like with Miss Defries's money, Matthew.” Matthew stopped in his walk, and his face grew livid. He pointed to the door. “Go out,” he said in a trembling voice, “or I'll have you turned out.” Usher rose to his feet and shuffled towards the door. “Then poor Sylvester shall know what were the parents in whom he trusted.” “Let him know and be damned to you!” said Matthew. He flung open the door into the outer office, and stood rigid and white with anger, as Usher passed out. Then, when he was alone, he put his hand to his heart, and staggering to an old couch threw himself down half fainting among the papers with which it was piled. A clerk, coming in a few moments later to announce a client, found him white and gasping. But he insisted to the frightened youth on his being well again, drank a glass of water, and with a sheer effort of will, dragged himself to his feet and concentrated his faculties. “Show Sir Trevor in,” said he.