The truth was that Andres Garavel had not hesitated long after that memorable night at the Tivoli before accepting the brilliant prize which the Cortlandts had dangled so alluringly before his eyes, and, the decision once made, he had entered into the scheme with all his soul.  He was wise enough, however, to leave his destiny largely in their hands.  This meant frequent councils among the three, a vast amount of careful work, of crafty intrigue, of untiring diplomacy, and, although his candidacy had not as yet been more than whispered, the purple robe of power was daily being woven, thread by thread.

It was not long after Kirk’s visit to the bank that Garavel, during one of these conferences, took occasion to bring up the young man’s name.  Cortlandt had been called to the telephone, and Edith was left free to answer without constraint.

“I have seen you and him riding quite frequently,” her guest remarked, with polite interest.  “Is he, then, an old friend?”

“Yes, we are very fond of him.”

“Your Mr. Runnels believes him most capable; we were speaking of him but yesterday.”

“Oh, he will be successful, if that’s what you mean; I shall see to that.  He has his father’s gift for handling men—–­”

“You know his father?”

“Not personally, only by reputation.  Kirk will be promoted soon, by-the-way, although he doesn’t know it.  He is to replace Runnels as soon as he is able.”

“Remarkable—­and yet I have seen the marvels you work, dear lady.  But is not this a strange sphere of activity for the son of Darwin K. Anthony?”

“Oh, he had some kind of falling-out with his father, I believe, which occasioned his coming here.  There was nothing really to Kirk’s discredit—­of that I am perfectly sure.”

“It would be unfortunate, indeed, if this breach between father and son should prove serious.”

“Oh, I dare say it won’t.  Kirk is certain to succeed, and old Anthony will come round, if I know American fathers.”

Garavel smiled, well pleased that he had treated his recent visitor with proper consideration.  After all, why not invite the young fellow to his house?  That would be rather a significant step according to Spanish custom; yet he need not be bound by it.  He could put a stop to the affair at any time.  Besides, despite his frequent protestations to the contrary, he was somewhat influenced by his daughter’s desire for more liberty.  It was not fair to her, he thought in his heart, that she should know only Ramon.  One reason especially appealed to his pride.  If a break came between him and Alfarez, Ramon must not appear to have jilted Gertrudis.  If, meanwhile, she had another suitor, and one of distinguished family, the affair would wear a better look.  It cannot be denied that the name of Darwin K. Anthony rang musically in his ears.

“The boy has the right stuff in him,” Edith went on.  “He began at the bottom, only a few months ago, preferring to work his way up, though he was offered a first-rate position to begin with.”