conclusion, he asked him to come to the office, which was still in
the U----Building, adding that if he wished to avoid the newspaper
men he could find seclusion at the old rooms in Wells Street.
"Your father," he said, "has given up his apartment and has taken
lodgings. I doubt very much if he will be willing to share them
with you, in view of the position he has assumed in regard to your
future; although he says you may always call upon him for pecuniary
assistance." A draft for five hundred dollars was enclosed with
the letter.

Graydon was relieved to find that there would be no irksome delay
attending his official discharge. When he walked out a "free man,"
as he called it, a gentlemanly pension attorney locked arms with
him, and hung on like a leech, until the irritated soldier shook
him off with less consideration than vigour.

He went directly to the Palace Hotel, where he knew the Cables were
stopping. David Cable came down in response to his card. The two
men shook hands, each eyeing the other inquiringly for an instant.

"I want you to understand, Graydon, that I am your friend. Nothing
has altered my esteem for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Cable. I hardly expected it."

"I don't see why, my boy. But, we'll let all that pass. Mrs. Cable
wants to see you."

"Before we go any farther I want to make myself clear to you. I
still hope to marry Jane. She says she cannot become my wife. You