And because I am to appear at the flare-up to-night--all in honour of the prodigal's son--this matter is between us, and we meet as loving relatives.

You understand my motives, Gaston Robert Belward ?" "Thoroughly." Gaston rang the bell, and went to open the door for his uncle to pass out.

Ian Belward buttoned his close-fitting coat, cast a glance in the mirror, and then eyed Gaston's fine figure and well-cut clothes.

In the presence of his nephew, there grew the envy of a man who knew that youth was passing while every hot instinct and passion remained.

For his age he was impossibly young.