“When men live as you have done since your marriage, it is scarcely surprising that wives should emulate their lax example.  You have never disguised your indifference as a husband.”

“No, sir.  When I made merchandise of my hand, I deemed that sacrifice sufficient, and have never pretended to include my heart in the bargain.  But why deal in recrimination?  Past mistakes are irremediable, and it behooves me to consider only the future.  Were it not for poor Maud, I really should care very little, but her helplessness appeals to me now more forcibly than all other considerations.  You say, sir, that you cannot help me—­why not?  At this crisis a few shares of stock, and some of those sterling bonds would enable me to pay off my pressing personal debts; and I could get away from Paris with less annoying notoriety and scandal, which above all things I abhor.  I only ask the means of retiring from my associations here without disgrace, and once safely out of France I shall care little for the future.  You certainly cannot consent to see me stranded here, where my position and menage have been so proud?”

General Laurance puffed vigorously at his cigar for some seconds, then tossed it down, put his hands in his pockets, and said abruptly: 

“When I told you last night that I could not help you, I meant it.  The stocks and bonds you require have already been otherwise appropriated.  I daresay, Cuthbert, you will be astonished at what I am about to communicate, but whatever your opinion of the step I have determined to take, I request in advance, that you will refrain from any disagreeable comments.  For thirty-seven years I have devoted myself to the promotion of your interest and happiness, and you must admit you have often sorely tried my patience.  If you have at last made shipwreck of your favourable financial prospects, it is no longer in my power to set you afloat again.  Cuthbert, I am on the eve of assuming new responsibilities that require all the means your luxurious mode of living has left me.  I am going to marry again.”

“To marry again!  Are you approaching your dotage?”

The son had risen, and his handsome face was full of undisguised scorn, as his eyes rested on his father’s haughty and offended countenance.

“Whatever your dissatisfaction, you will be wise in repressing it at least in your remarks to me.  I am no longer young, but am very far from senility; and finding no harmony in your household, no peaceful fireside where I can spend the residue of my days in quiet, I have finally consulted the dictates of my own heart, and am prompted by the hope of great happiness with the woman whom I sincerely love—­to marry her.  Under these circumstances you can readily appreciate my inability to transfer the stocks, which it appears you have relied upon to float you out of this financial storm.”

Cuthbert bowed profoundly, and answered contemptuously: