is your child, Eleanor, for without your suggestion of an organization
founded upon an altruistic basis I should never have thought of creating
this corporation which is now certain to be the greatest power the world
has seen."

"You give me too much credit, Robert. That was simply a chance
suggestion; it was your master mind which gave it life."

"It is yours, none the less," Gorham insisted; "and this great
corporation may be the means of giving me my son and successor, after
all."

It was Eleanor's turn to show surprise, but he did not wait for the
question which was on her lips.

"It is my hope that Alice may marry Covington," he continued, "and I see
no reason why this should not be. She is, of course, a free agent, but I
think Covington will have little difficulty in winning her. He has an
attractive personality, and I know that she already admires and respects
him. He is a man of rare ability and is my natural successor."

"There seems to be no logical obstacle," Eleanor admitted; "but her
heart is yet to be awakened."

"As far as that is concerned," Gorham said, decisively, "Alice will not
altogether disregard my wishes in the matter; and the awakening will be
all the healthier if the child is guided."

"We must never do more than guide her," Eleanor said, apprehensively.