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h Kathleen's welfare? Do I illtreat her? Is she refused money? Do I make her spend hours here helping me in this"--sarcastically--"sweatshop? Four years ago she took up this fad of painting; you encouraged her at it--you know you did," shaking an accusing finger at his wife. "You persuaded me to let her study in Germany, and she hasn't been worth a button since--as far as home comfort goes."
"Winslow!"
"It's true," doggedly. "Formerly she was willing and glad to help me with my modeling, help me in making calculations, tracings--now she spends her time philandering."
"All young girls flirt, Winslow."
"But Kathleen was always so shy," Whitney shook his head. "Now I'm asked at the club if she isn't engaged to this man and that."
"Will you never realize that Kathleen is exceptionally pretty, with the gift of fascination?"
"A dangerous power," said Whitney gravely. "I do not entirely approve of the men whose attentions Kathleen encourages."
"As for instance...."
"Young Potter, and this Baron Frederic von Fincke--you know, Minna, I do not approve of international marriages, and I am very glad that Kathleen refused that Englishman, John Hargraves, whom she met in Germany...."
"I sometimes wonder if she regrets," said Mrs. Whitney musingly. "Kathleen hears from him occasionally--and at times she is so very odd in her manner."
"Humph! I hope not. I don't want her to be a war bride," retorted Whitney. "And all Englishmen of family are at the front these days. You don't think, Minna," with quickly suppressed nervousness, "that Kathleen can be fond of Sinclair Spencer."
"Sinclair Spencer?" echoed Mrs. Whitney. "Why he is double her age, and besides, Winslow, his habits are not...."
"I know," gloomily, as his wife paused. "I would certainly never give my consent to such a marriage. But, Minna, he is forever hanging around Kathleen and haunts this house."
"So much so that Kathleen is heartily sick of him," said Mrs. Whitney comfortingly
