So I'm in the position of surreptitiously taking away the prospective fortune of a man whom I respect and honor, and who treats me as a friend." Miriam walked on some steps in silence.

"It is no fault of yours," she said at last.

"You owe us nothing.

You must carry out your orders." "Yes; but what is to prevent your father from thinking that I stole his idea and then used it against him ?" "You can tell him the truth: he could not complain; and why should you care if he did?
I know that men separate business from--from other things." They had now come to the little enclosed space where the fountain basin was; and by tacit consent they seated themselves upon it.

Miriam gave an exclamation of surprise.