“That was Gerald’s duty,” Mrs. Osborn rejoined and was silent for a few moments.  To some extent, her husband’s point of view was hers and she knew his finest quality was his exaggerated family pride.  But she would not force her daughter to marry Thorn.

“I will not consent,” she resumed.  “Grace has long suffered for her brother’s extravagance, but she shall not pay for his folly now.  It is unjust; the price is too high!” Then she gave Thorn an appealing glance.  “Alan, can you not be generous?”

“I’m not brave enough; it might cost me too much,” Thorn answered in a strained voice.  “I cannot let Grace go.  She would be happy with me after a time.”

Mrs. Osborn made a scornful gesture and there was silence.  Osborn moved irresolutely and it looked as if he were hesitating; then steps echoed along the landing and he started as Kit came in.  Thorn’s face got very dark, but Mrs. Osborn looked up with a strange sense of relief.

“I didn’t stop to ask if you were at home,” Kit remarked.  “As you know, time is getting short.  I understand a man from London will bring you a document about a loan.”

“That is so,” said Osborn, hoarsely.  “What are you going to do about the document?”

“Take it up,” Kit answered, with a look of surprise.  “My name’s on the back.”  He paused and glanced at Thorn.  “Still, this is a matter I’d sooner talk about with you alone.”

Thorn got up, making an effort for self-control.  “Since Mr. Askew has arrived I needn’t stay.”  He bowed to Mrs. Osborn.  “It looks as if I had not understood things.  You won’t need my help.”

He went out with a curious heavy step, and when the door shut, Osborn sat down and looked at Kit as if he had got a shock.

“Then, you haven’t come to humble me?”

“Certainly not,” said Kit.  “I should have come before, but had to find my bank manager, who had left his office.”

“Where is Gerald?  What have you done with him?” Mrs. Osborn asked, for she began to see a light.

“Gerald’s at the station hotel, waiting for the train to Liverpool.  He sails for New York to-morrow and takes a letter to some friends of mine who will give him a good start.  He sent a note.”

Mrs. Osborn read the note and her eyes shone as she turned them on Kit.  “It is perhaps the best plan.  I would have liked to see him; but I thank you.”

“What I have done cost me nothing, and I imagine Gerald will have as good as chance of making progress as he had at the bank, while the excitement he’ll probably get will suit him better.  But Hallam will be here soon if the train is punctual, and before he comes I want to know—­”

At this moment they heard a car come up the drive, a servant knocked at the door, and Hallam was shown in.  He sat down in front of the table where Osborn told him, and glanced at Kit.

“This is Mr. Askew,” Osborn said.  “Mrs. Osborn will stay; she knows your business.”