"I never meant to try to influence you, Charles," she said, "except as anyone tries to help those about one.

And certainly you've been the one that has put us all in our present position.

That's why it distressed me for you even to talk of undoing your work." Whitney smiled satirically, mysteriously.

"I'll do what I think best," was all he replied.

And presently he added, "though I don't feel like doing anything.