He took another cigar to give the impression that he had himself well under control, but the violent trembling of his hands as he lit it betrayed the terrific strain he was under.
"So!" he said, "you deliberately sacrificed my interests to save this woman's father--you hear him, Miss Green?
Jefferson, my boy, I think it's time you and I had a final accounting." Shirley made a motion as if about to withdraw.

He stopped her with a gesture.
"Please don't go, Miss Green.

As the writer of my biography you are sufficiently well acquainted with my family affairs to warrant your being present at the epilogue.

Besides, I want an excuse for keeping my temper.

Sit down, Miss Green." Turning to Jefferson, he went on: "For your mother's sake, my boy, I have overlooked your little eccentricities of character.