"I have never approached him, nor has he ever taken any notice of me." "You did not write to him, for instance, when Heathcote absconded, and you had to leave college ?" "Certainly not," I answered.

"I did not choose to turn beggar." "How much," he asked, "do you know of your family history ?" "I know," I told him, "that my father was cashiered from the army for misconduct, and committed suicide.

I know, too, that my mother's people treated her shamefully, and that she died alone in Paris and almost in poverty.

It was scarcely likely, therefore, that I was going to apply to them for help." Ray nodded.
"I thought so," he remarked grimly.

"I shall have to talk to you for a few minutes about your father." I said nothing.