Haguenin was much surprised, but in a way relieved.

"I am busy," he said, very heavily, "but cannot you come to the office some time to-day?
There is something I would like to see you about." Cowperwood, imagining that there was some editorial or local political development on foot which might be of interest to him, made an appointment for shortly after four.

He drove to the publisher's office in the Press Building, and was greeted by a grave and almost despondent man.
"Mr.Cowperwood," began Haguenin, when the financier entered, smart and trig, his usual air of genial sufficiency written all over him, "I have known you now for something like fourteen years, and during this time I have shown you nothing but courtesy and good will.

It is true that quite recently you have done me various financial favors, but that was more due, I thought, to the sincere friendship you bore me than to anything else.

Quite accidentally I have learned of the relationship that exists between you and my daughter.