“Yes, I found her there,” replied Jefferson dryly.  “She was with that cad, Bagley.  When is father going to find that fellow out?”

“Oh, Jefferson,” protested his mother, “how can you talk like that of Mr. Bagley.  He is such a perfect gentleman.  His family connections alone should entitle him to respect.  He is certainly the best secretary your father ever had.  I’m sure I don’t know what we should do without him.  He knows everything that a gentleman should.”

“And a good deal more, I wager,” growled Jefferson.  “He wasn’t groom of the backstairs to England’s queen for nothing.”  Then changing the topic, he said suddenly:  “Talking about Kate, mother, we have got to reach some definite understanding.  This talk about my marrying her must stop.  I intend to take the matter up with father to-day.”

“Oh, of course, more trouble!” replied his mother in a resigned tone.  She was so accustomed to having her wishes thwarted that she was never surprised at anything.  “We heard of your goings on in Paris.  That Miss Rossmore was there, was she not?”

“That has got nothing to do with it,” replied Jefferson warmly.  He resented Shirley’s name being dragged into the discussion.  Then more calmly he went on:  “Now, mother, be reasonable, listen.  I purpose to live my own life.  I have already shown my father that I will not be dictated to, and that I can earn my own living.  He has no right to force this marriage on me.  There has never been any misunderstanding on Kate’s part.  She and I understand each other thoroughly.”

“Well, Jefferson, you may be right from your point of view,” replied his mother weakly.  She invariably ended by agreeing with the last one who argued with her.  “You are of age, of course.  Your parents have only a moral right over you.  Only remember this:  it would be foolish of you to do anything now to anger your father.  His interests are your interests.  Don’t do anything to jeopardize them.  Of course, you can’t be forced to marry a girl you don’t care for, but your father will be bitterly disappointed.  He had set his heart on this match.  He knows all about your infatuation for Miss Rossmore and it has made him furious.  I suppose you’ve heard about her father?”

“Yes, and it’s a dastardly outrage,” blurted out Jefferson.  “It’s a damnable conspiracy against one of the most honourable men that ever lived, and I mean to ferret out and expose the authors.  I came here to-day to ask father to help me.”

“You came to ask your father to help you?” echoed his mother incredulously.

“Why not?” demanded Jefferson.  “Is it true then that he is selfishness incarnate?  Wouldn’t he do that much to help a friend?”

“You’ve come to the wrong house, Jeff.  You ought to know that.  Your father is far from being Judge Rossmore’s friend.  Surely you have sense enough to realize that there are two reasons why he would not raise a finger to help him.  One is that he has always been his opponent in public life, the other is that you want to marry his daughter.”