"The fact is I am not in a position to help you.

I have left the employ of Messrs.

Dowling, Spence & Company." "Of your own accord ?" she inquired quietly.
"No, I was dismissed," he confessed.

"I should have been compelled to leave in a very short time, but Mr.Dowling forestalled me." "Won't you sit down and tell me about it ?" she invited.
He looked her in the eyes, square and unflinching.

He was still able to do that! "It could not possibly interest you," he said.
"And--my sister?
You have seen her ?" "I have seen your sister," Tavernake answered, without hesitation.
"You have a message for me ?" "None," he declared.
"She refuses--to be reconciled, then ?" "I am afraid she has no friendly feelings towards you." "She gave you no reason ?" "No direct reason," he admitted, "but her attitude is--quite uncompromising." She rose and swept across the floor towards him.