If she is unwilling to oblige me, of course--" "I will speak to her," promised the doctor.
Spence smiled.
"What surprises me, doctor," he went on, pushing a little further, "is how you have managed to keep so very intelligent a secretary in so restricted an environment.

The stronger one's wings, the stronger the temptation to use them." He had expected to strike fire with this, but the pale eyes looked placidly past him.
"Desire has left me, at times, but--she has always come back." The old man's voice was very gentle, almost caressing, and should certainly have provided no reason for the chill that crept up his hearer's spine.
"She has never found work suited to her, perhaps," suggested Spence.
"If you will allow me,--" "You are very kind," the velvet was off the doctor's voice now.

He rose with a certain travesty of dignity.

"But I may say that I desire--that I will tolerate--no interference.

My daughter's future shall be her father's care." Spence laughed.