to lift its head; it had been stamped back into its appointed,
circumscribed place.

He was not satisfied with himself. His time for protest had been when
he answered his father's challenge. The force against him had been
too great, or his own strength too weak. He had not measured up to
the moment, and this chagrined him.

"All I wanted," he muttered, "was to KNOW!"

His father called him, and he responded apathetically.

"Here are some letters," said Mr. Foote. "I have made notes upon each
one how it is to be answered. Be so good as to dictate the replies."

There it was again. He was not even to answer letters independently,
but to dictate to his secretary words put into his mouth by Bonbright
Foote, Incorporated.

"It will help you familiarize yourself with our routine," said his
father, "and your signature will apprise the recipients that
Bonbright Foote VII has entered the concern."

He returned to his desk and pressed the buzzer that would summon Ruth
Frazer with book and pencil. She entered almost instantly, and as
their eyes met she smiled her famous smile. It was a thing of light
and brightness, compelling response. In his mood it acted as a
stimulant to Bonbright.

"Thank you," he said, involuntarily.