The family interests would benefit by this alliance, which was desirable from every point of view.
Jefferson had listened respectfully until his father had finished and then grimly remarked that only one point of view had been overlooked--his own.

He did not care for Miss Roberts; he did not think she really cared for him.

The marriage was out of the question.

Whereupon Ryder, Sr., had fumed and raged, declaring that Jefferson was opposing his will as he always did, and ending with the threat that if his son married Shirley Rossmore without his consent he would disinherit him.
Jefferson was cogitating on these incidents of the last few months when suddenly a feminine voice which he quickly recognised called out in English: "Hello! Mr.Ryder." He looked up and saw two ladies, one young, the other middle aged, smiling at him from an open _fiacre_ which had drawn up to the curb.

Jefferson jumped from his seat, upsetting his chair and startling two nervous Frenchmen in his hurry, and hastened out, hat in hand.
"Why, Miss Rossmore, what are you doing out driving ?" he asked.
"You know you and Mrs.Blake promised to dine with me to-night.