"I couldn't take him into the Consolidated Companies," Gorham said,
flatly.

"That isn't what I mean," his wife hastened to reply. "You don't think
this a disregard of your desire not to have me refer to business?"

"No, dear; I understand, and shall be glad to talk with the boy. I hope
you also understand as clearly why I have had to take this seemingly
arbitrary position. My day is filled with problems which require nerve
and confidence in my own judgment in order to carry them through. I must
let no one influence this judgment, and even a suggested preference from
those I love might do it. More than this, my brain is clearer each day
when I can claim an evening with you and Alice, with no intruding
thoughts of business detail. Now I must send a few telegrams to clear
the way for the theatre this evening. You really want me to go with
you?"

"Alice has set her heart on it, and as for me--well, you know how little
any evening means to me unless we are together."

"Then I will send Riley to see about the seats."

"But before you do that, I have a complaint to make."

Gorham smiled at the expression on his wife's face, half serious, half
humorous.

"Who is the culprit?"

"Riley," she replied.