than he ate, and his temper was very variable. From his wife he only
received chidings and complaints that in his horrid "mania for
business" he was neglecting her and his family in general. She could
never get him to sit down and talk sensibly of the birthday and debut
party that was now so near. He would always say, testily, "Manage it
to suit yourselves."

Laura and Zell were too much wrapped up in their own affairs to give
much thought to anything else. But Edith, of late, understood her
father and felt deeply for him. One evening finding him sitting
dejectedly alone in the library after dinner, she said:

"Why go on with this party, papa? I am sure I am ready to give it up
if it will be any relief to you."

The heart of this strong, confident man of the world was sore and
lonely. For perhaps the first time he felt the need of support and
sympathy. He drew his beautiful daughter, whom thus far he had
scarcely more than admired, down upon his lap and buried his face upon
her shoulder. A breath of divine impulse swept aside for a moment the
stifling curtains of his sordid life, and he caught a glimpse of the
large happy realm of love.

"And would you really give up anything for the sake of your old
father?" he asked in a low tone.

"Everything," cried Edith, much moved by the unusual display of
affection and feeling on the part of her father.

"The others would not," said he bitterly.