It's human nature.

I'll tell you right here to-night," he exclaimed with sudden energy, clenching his fist and slowly rapping the knuckles on the table to emphasize each word, "that I'll be the head of that firm some day, or I'll know the reason why." When Geary finally became silent, the two looked into the fire for some time without speaking.

At last Geary said: "You came home early to-night, didn't you ?" "Yes," answered Vandover, stirring uneasily.

"Yes, I did." There was another silence.

Then Geary said abruptly: "It's too bad.