to me--and you have given me
more than a son in your wonderful conception--the Consolidated Companies
is your child, Eleanor, for without your suggestion of an organization
founded upon an altruistic basis I should never have thought of creating
this corporation which is now certain to be the greatest power the world
has seen."

"You give me too much credit, Robert. That was simply a chance
suggestion; it was your master mind which gave it life."

"It is yours, none the less," Gorham insisted; "and this great
corporation may be the means of giving me my son and successor, after
all."

It was Eleanor's turn to show surprise, but he did not wait for the
question which was on her lips.

"It is my hope that Alice may marry Covington," he continued, "and I see
no reason why this should not be. She is, of course, a free agent, but I
think Covington will have little difficulty in winning her. He has an
attractive personality, and I know that she already admires and respects
him. He is a man of rare ability and is my natural successor."

"There seems to be no logical obstacle," Eleanor admitted; "but her
heart is yet to be awakened."

"As far as that is concerned," Gorham said, decisively, "Alice will not
altogether disregard my wishes in the matter; and the awakening will be
all the healthier if the child is guided."

"We must never do more than guide her," Eleanor said, apprehensively.

"I don't intend to. Now tell me something of this youngster who seems to
have made quite an impression on my entire family."

Mrs. Gorham smiled as her mind reverted to the afternoon. "We had a
charming ride," she said. "Allen has an over-developed bump of humor
which encourages him to be irresponsible, but he is a likable boy and
I enjoyed him."

"Probably all he needs is a smaller allowance and a greater necessity."

"I judge he isn't likely to get either from his father. As you know, Mr.
Sanford insists on his becoming a diplomat, while he prefers to go into
business. This naturally interested Alice, and they had a most amusing
discussion about it. He really doesn't know why he prefers business, but
Alice has helped him to crystallize his ideas. In fact, she has quite
fired his ambition. I think you will enjoy your conversation with him at
dinner to-night, Robert, for he is really most ingenuous, and a bit of
advice from you will help him just now, even if he doesn't measure up to
your standard of business capacity."

"You t