"Indeed. You're going back to the Charlevoix to-night."

Lorelei started. She had expected opposition, but was unprepared
for anything so blunt and business-like. "I think you and Bob can
talk more freely if I leave you alone," she said.

Hannibal Wharton replied shortly: "No, don't leave. I'll talk
freer with you here."

It appeared, however, that Robert stood in no awe of his father's
anger; he said lightly:

"They never come back, dad. I'm a regular married man. Lorelei is
my royal consort, my yoke-mate, my rib. We'll have to scratch the
Charlevoix."

This levity left the caller unmoved; to Lorelei he explained:

"I want no notoriety, so all we need talk about is terms. You'll
fare better by dealing directly with me than through lawyers--I'll
fight a lawsuit--so let's get down to business. You should
realize, however, that these settlements are never as large as
they're advertised. I'll pay you ten thousand dollars and stand
the costs of the divorce proceedings."

"You are making a mistake," she told him, quietly.

"I expected you to refuse, but ten thousand dollars is better than
nothing. Talk it over with your people. Now, Bob, come with me."