The General observed them with a quiet smile in his eyes.

Now and then, however, the smile died out as he heard Gordon expressing views which were somewhat new to him.

One evening they were all seated on the verandah together, and Gordon began to speak of making a fortune as a high aim.

He had heard Mrs.Yorke express the same sentiments a few days before.
"My son," said his father, gently, looking at him with grave eyes, "a fortune is a great blessing in the hands of the man who knows how to spend it.

But riches considered as something to possess or to display is one of the most despicable and debasing of all the aims that men can have." Mrs.Yorke's eyes opened wide and her face hardened a little.