Ryder, Sr., rose, his hands working dangerously.  He made a movement as if about to advance on his son, but by a supreme effort he controlled himself.

“No, upon my word, it’s no use disinheriting you, you wouldn’t care.  I think you’d be glad; on my soul, I do!” Then calming down once more, he added:  “Jefferson, give me your word of honour that your object in going away is not to find out this girl and marry her unknown to me.  I don’t mind your losing your heart, but, damn it, don’t lose your head.  Give me your hand on it.”

Jefferson reluctantly held out his hand.

“If I thought you would marry that girl unknown to me, I’d have Rossmore sent out of the country and the woman too.  Listen, boy.  This man is my enemy, and I show no mercy to my enemies.  There are more reasons than one why you cannot marry Miss Rossmore.  If she knew one of them she would not marry you.”

“What reasons?” demanded Jefferson.

“The principal one,” said Ryder, slowly and deliberately, and eyeing his son keenly as if to judge of the effect of his words, “the principal one is that it was through my agents that the demand was made for her father’s impeachment.”

“Ah,” cried Jefferson, “then I guessed aright!  Oh, father, how could you have done that?  If you only knew him!”

Ryder, Sr., had regained command of his temper, and now spoke calmly enough.

“Jefferson, I don’t have to make any apologies to you for the way I conduct my business.  The facts contained in the charge were brought to my attention.  I did not see why I should spare him.  He never spared me.  I shall not interfere, and the probabilities are that he will be impeached.  Senator Roberts said this afternoon that it was a certainty.  You see yourself how impossible a marriage with Miss Rossmore would be, don’t you?”

“Yes, father, I see now.  I have nothing more to say.”

“Do you still intend going away?”

“Yes,” replied Jefferson bitterly.  “Why not?  You have taken away the only reason why I should stay.”

“Think it well over, lad.  Marry Kate or not, as you please, but I want you to stay here.”

“It’s no use.  My mind is made up,” answered Jefferson decisively.

The telephone rang, and Jefferson got up to go.  Mr. Ryder took up the receiver.

“Hallo!  What’s that?  Sergeant Ellison?  Yes, send him up.”

Putting the telephone down, Ryder, Sr., rose, and crossing the room accompanied his son to the door.

“Think it well over, Jeff.  Don’t be hasty.”

“I have thought it over, sir, and I have decided to go.”

A few moments later Jefferson left the house.