"Marry? I have never said that I intended to marry--_any one_," Mostyn
snarled, a dull, hunted look in his eyes.

"I know," Saunders said, still unperturbed, "but you know that the
people at large are generally familiar with all that society talks
about, and they have had a lot to say about you and that particular
young lady. If you wish to read your letter, don't mind me--I--"

"I don't want to read it!" Mostyn answered. "I can imagine what's in
it. I'll attend to it later. But you have seen her, Saunders, since I
have, and you would know whether the situation really is such that--"

"To be frank"--Saunders had never spoken more pointedly--"I don't
feel, Mostyn, that I ought to become your confidant in exactly such a
thing. But through no intention of mine I have been drawn into it--
drawn into it, Mostyn, to protect the dignity and credit of the bank.
She was about to make a disturbance, and I _had_ to speak to her."

"I know--of course, I understand that"--Mostyn's fury robed him from
head to foot like a visible garment--"but that is not answering my
question."

"Well, if you want my opinion," Saunders said, firmly, "I think if the
woman is not appeased in some way that you and I, the directors, and
all concerned--friendly depositors and everybody-will regret it.
Scandal of this sort has a bad effect on business confidence. Mitchell
came in just as she was leaving. Of course, he is not a great stickler
on such matters, but--"

"I didn't know he was in town," Mostyn said, in surprise.