"You snake!" groaned Cable, weak and hoarse with rage. "Jane, he
has lied! There is not a word of truth in what he says. I swear it
to you."

"Ho, ho! By Heaven, she hasn't told you, after all!" cried Bansemer.
"You still think she is yours!"

"Father!" exclaimed Graydon, standing straight before the other.
David Cable had dropped limply into a chair, his hand to his heart.
"I won't stand by and hear you any longer. Take back what you've
said about her, or, damn you, I'll forget that you are my father
and---"

"Graydon!" exclaimed Bansemer, falling back, his expression
changing like a flash. The smile of triumph left his face and his
lip twitched. "You forget I--I am doing this for your sake. My God,
boy, you don't understand. Don't turn from me to them. They have---"

"That's enough, father! Don't say another word! You've talked like
a madman. See! Look what you've done! Oh, Jane!" he caught sight
of the girl on the landing and rushed up to her.

"Is it true, Graydon--is it true?" she wailed, beating her hands
upon his arm.

"No! It can't be true! He's gone mad, dearest."

"Is it true, mother? Tell me, tell me!"

Frances Cable's white lips moved stiffly, but no sound came forth.