CHAPTER X.
A CRUEL LEGACY.
Randall Clayton's name was being bandied scornfully by thousands of sneering lips as Arthur Ferris evaded his New York friends in the crowded lobby of the Hoffman.

The crafty lawyer bridegroom was happy at Witherspoon's promise to remain and aid him.
The secret antagonists had, however, lied to each other with all possible show of candor.

Ferris returned rapidly to Robert Wade's private office, having engaged a temporary resting place at the Fifth Avenue.

"Let no cards be sent to my room--from the press or any other people.

You can easily understand why!" he ordered.
The suave head clerk convoluted in sympathy with the financial disaster, now the theme of the wildest gossip.