Then he said: "If she were Kate Roberts she wouldn't let Jeff slip through her fingers." "I have often wished," went on Mrs.Ryder, "that Kate were more like Shirley Green.

I don't think we would have any difficulty with Jeff then." "Kate is the daughter of Senator Roberts, and if this marriage is broken off in any way without the senator's consent, he is in a position to injure my interests materially.

If you see Jefferson send him to me in the library.

I'll go and keep Roberts in good humour until he comes." He went downstairs and Mrs.Ryder proceeded to her apartments, where she found Jefferson chatting with Kate.

She at once delivered Ryder Sr.'s message.
"Jeff, your father wants to see you in the library." "Yes, I want to see him," answered the young man grimly, and after a few moments more badinage with Kate he left the room.
It was not a mere coincidence that had brought Senator Roberts and his daughter and the financier's son all together under the Ryder roof at the same time.