We'll have to discuss this in a calmer mood, or I won't stay here.
I'm sorry.
I'm awfully sorry.
But I won't listen to any such language as that."
Old Archibald quieted himself.
In spite of his opposition, he respected his son's point of view.
He sat back in his chair and stared at the floor.
"How was he to handle this thing?" he asked himself.
"Are you living in the same place?" he finally inquired.
"No, we've moved out to Hyde Park.
I've taken a house out there."
"I hear there's a child.
Is that yours?"
"No."
"Have you any children of your own?"
"No."
"Well, that's a God's blessing."
Lester merely scratched his chin.
"And you insist you will marry her?" Archibald went on.
"I didn't say that," replied his son.
"I said I might."
"Might! Might!" exclaimed his father, his anger bubbling again.
"What a tragedy!
You with your prospects! Your outlook!
How do you suppose I can seriously contemplate entrusting any share of my fortune to a man who has so little regard for what the world considers as right and proper?
Why, Lester, this carriage business, your family, your personal reputation appear to be as nothing at all to you.
I can't understand what has happened to your pride.
It seems like some wild, impossible fancy."
"It's pretty hard to explain, father, and I can't do it very well.
I simply know that I'm in this affair, and that I'm bound to see it through.
It may come out all right.
I may not marry her—I may.
I'm not prepared now to say what I'll do.
You'll have to wait.
I'll do the best I can."
Old Archibald merely shook his head disapprovingly.
"You've made a bad mess of this, Lester," he said finally.
"Surely you have.
But I suppose you are determined to go your way.
Nothing that I have said appears to move you."
"Not now, father. I'm sorry."
"Well, I warn you, then, that, unless you show some consideration for the dignity of your family and the honor of your position it will make a difference in my will.
I can't go on countenancing this thing, and not be a party to it morally and every other way.
I won't do it.
You can leave her, or you can marry her.
You certainly ought to do one or the other.
If you leave her, everything will be all right.
You can make any provision for her you like. I have no objection to that.
I'll gladly pay whatever you agree to.
You will share with the rest of the children, just as I had planned.