Sure you will all approve step have taken as was so wretched my
health would probably suffered severely Robert and I were married
this afternoon thought best have quiet wedding absolutely sure
you will understand wisdom of step when you know Robert better am
happiest woman in world are leaving for Florida will wire address
when settled will remain till spring love to all father will like
him too when knows him like I do he is just ideal. 

          
                                                                                          Edith Lamhorn.

CHAPTER XXVI

George departed, and Bibbs was left gazing upon chaos and listening to thunder.  He could not reach the stairway without passing the open doors of the library, and he was convinced that the mere glimpse of him, just then, would prove nothing less than insufferable for his father.  For that reason he was about to make his escape into the gold-and-brocade room, intending to keep out of sight, when he heard Sheridan vociferously demanding his presence.

“Tell him to come in here!  He’s out there.  I heard George just let him in.  Now you’ll see!” And tear-stained Mrs. Sheridan, looking out into the hall, beckoned to her son.

Bibbs went as far as the doorway.  Gurney sat winding a strip of white cotton, his black bag open upon a chair near by; and Sheridan was striding up and down, his hand so heavily wrapped in fresh bandages that he seemed to be wearing a small boxing-glove.  His eyes were bloodshot; his forehead was heavily bedewed; one side of his collar had broken loose, and there were blood-stains upon his right cuff.

“There’s our little sunshine!” he cried, as Bibbs appeared.  “There’s the hope o’ the family—­my lifelong pride and joy!  I want—­”

“Keep you hand in that sling,” said Gurney, sharply.

Sheridan turned upon him, uttering a sound like a howl.  “For God’s sake, sing another tune!” he cried.  “You said you ’came as a doctor but stay as a friend,’ and in that capacity you undertake to sit up and criticize me—­”

“Oh, talk sense,” said the doctor, and yawned intentionally.  “What do you want Bibbs to say?”

“You were sittin’ up there tellin’ me I got ’hysterical’—­ ‘hysterical,’ oh Lord!  You sat up there and told me I got ‘hysterical’ over nothin’!  You sat up there tellin’ me I didn’t have as heavy burdens as many another man you knew.  I just want you to hear this.  Now listen!” He swung toward the quiet figure waiting in the doorway.  “Bibbs, will you come down-town with me Monday morning and let me start you with two vice-presidencies, a directorship, stock, and salaries?  I ask you.”

“No, father,” said Bibbs, gently.

Sheridan looked at Gurney and then faced his son once more.

“Bibbs, you want to stay in the shop, do you, at nine dollars a week, instead of takin’ up my offer?”