He had listened patiently, he thought, to all that his headstrong son had said, but that he should repudiate in this unceremonious fashion what was a tacit understanding between the two families, and, what was more, run the risk of injuring the Ryder interests--that was inconceivable.
Leaving his desk, he advanced into the centre of the room, and folding his arms confronted Jefferson.
"So," he said sternly, "this is your latest act of rebellion, is it?
You are going to welsh on your word?
You are going to jilt the girl ?" "I never gave my word," answered Jefferson hotly.

"Nor did Kate understand that an engagement existed.

You can't expect me to marry a girl I don't care a straw about.

It would not be fair to her." "Have you stopped to think whether it would be fair to me ?" thundered his father.
His face was pale with anger, his jet-black eyes flashed, and his white hair seemed to bristle with rage.

He paced the floor for a few moments, and then turning to Jefferson, who had not moved, he said more calmly: "Don't be a fool, Jeff.