James began further explanations. “Look at it the way it is. She put herself in my way.”
Two steps carried Jeff to him. Without touching James he stood close to him, arms rigid and eyes blazing. “Don't say that again, you liar. You ruined her life. You let her suffer. She might have died for all of you. She nursed your child and never whispered the name of its father. Sam Miller is charging himself with the keep of your daughter. Do you think she hasn't paid a hundred times for her mistake? Now, by God, keep your mouth shut! Be decent enough not to fling mud at her, you of all men.”
James shrugged his shoulders and turned away in petulant disgust. “I see. You've heard her side of it and you've made up your mind. All right. I've nothing more to say.”
“I've never heard her side of it. Her own mother doesn't know the truth. Sam didn't know not till to-day. But I know her--and now I know you.”
“That's no way to talk, Jeff. I admit I did wrong. Can a man say more than that? Do you want me to crawl on my hands and knees?”
“Maybe you think I haven't suffered too. I've lain awake nights worrying over this.”
“I intended to look out for the girl, but she disappeared without letting me know where she was going. What could I do?” The lawyer was studying his face very carefully in the glass. “My face is a sight. It will be weeks before that eye is fit to be seen.”
Jeff turned away and left him. He walked to his rooms and found his uncle waiting for him. Robert Farnum had sold out his interests in Arkansas and returned to Verden with the intention of buying a small mill in the vicinity. Meanwhile he had the apartment next to the one used by his nephew.
“Seen anything of James lately?” he inquired as they started down the street to dinner.
“Yes. I saw him to-day. He's leaving town for a week or so.”
“On business, I suppose. He didn't mention it when I saw him Wednesday.”
“It's a matter that came up suddenly, I understand.”
The father agreed proudly. There were moments when he had doubts of James, but he always stifled them by remembering what a splendid success he was. “Probably something nobody else could attend to but him.”
“It's amazing how that boy gets along. His firm has the cream of the corporation business of Verden. I never saw anything like it.”