He began to pace the room.
"What difference would that make, if the young people love each
other?"
"Certainly," Cortlandt agreed. "They are not children."
"As for love, Ramon loves, and--my daughter will love also, once
she is married, for she is a Garavel."
"If Ramon isn't satisfactory to her, ought you to force her
inclination?" Mrs. Cortlandt offered, eagerly. But the banker
flung his arms aloft in a gesture of half-humorous despair.
"Oh-h! These young ladies!" he cried. "They do not know what they
want. What pleases to-day, displeases to-morrow. It is 'Yes' and
'No,' 'Yes' and 'No,' until one must decide for them. That, after
all, is best." He paused abruptly. "This comes upon me like a
flood, my friends. I am swept away, and yet I--I will need to
think seriously."
"Certainly."
"To an honorable man the salary will mean nothing. I have many
affairs; I fear I cannot afford this sacrifice."
"Would you retire in favor of some one who could afford it?"
"Alfarez is honest."
"Alfarez cannot be President."
"It would require a great deal of money. I am considered a rich
man, but I have discounted the future, and my enterprises--" He
flung out his arms. "I have spread out. I must be careful. It is
not alone MY money that I have invested.
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