the man himself reappeared--to answer it, or not to answer it, as the
event might prove.

A marked change was visible in Obenreizer when he resumed his place. His
manner was less assured, and there were plain traces about his mouth of
recent agitation which had not been successfully composed. Had he said
something, referring either to Vendale or to himself, which had raised
Marguerite's spirit, and which had placed him, for the first time, face
to face with a resolute assertion of his niece's will? It might or might
not be. This only was certain--he looked like a man who had met with a
repulse.

"I have spoken to my niece," he began. "I find, Mr. Vendale, that even
your influence has not entirely blinded her to the social objections to
your proposal."

"May I ask," returned Vendale, "if that is the only result of your
interview with Miss Obenreizer?"

A momentary flash leapt out through the Obenreizer film.

"You are master of the situation," he answered, in a tone of sardonic
submission. "If you insist on my admitting it, I do admit it in those
words. My niece's will and mine used to be one, Mr. Vendale. You have
come between us, and her will is now yours. In my country, we know when
we are beaten, and we submit with our best grace. I submit, with my best
grace, on certain conditions. Let us revert to the statement of your
pecuniary position. I have an objection to you, my dear sir--a most
amazing, a most audacious objection, from a man in my position to a man
in yours."