That St.
George had beggared himself to pay his son's debts had wiped that clear.
He was simply announcing a fact that caused him the deepest concern.
St.George's face paled, and for a moment a peculiar choking movement started in his throat.
"Bankrupt!--the Patapsco! How do you know ?" He had heard some ugly rumors at the club a few days before, but had dismissed them as part of Harding's croakings.
"John Gorsuch received a letter last night from one of the directors; there is no doubt of its truth.

I have suspected its condition for some time, so has Gorsuch.

This brought me here.

You see now how impossible it is for my son to be any longer a burden on you." St.George walked slowly across the room and drawing out a chair settled himself to collect his thoughts the better;--he had remained standing as the better way to terminate the interview should he be compelled to exercise that right.

The two announcements had come like successive blows in the face.