But there were hundreds of men in London
with far greater power and far wider influence than Vendale possessed.
Was it possible that this man's ambition secretly looked higher than the
highest prospects that could be offered to him by the alliance now
proposed for his niece? As the question passed through Vendale's mind,
the man himself reappeared--to answer it, or not to answer it, as the
event might prove.
A marked change was visible in Obenreizer when he resumed his place. His
manner was less assured, and there were plain traces about his mouth of
recent agitation which had not been successfully composed. Had he said
something, referring either to Vendale or to himself, which had raised
Marguerite's spirit, and which had placed him, for the first time, face
to face with a resolute assertion of his niece's will? It might or might
not be. This only was certain--he looked like a man who had met with a
repulse.
"I have spoken to my niece," he began. "I find, Mr. Vendale, that even
your influence has not entirely blinded her to the social objections to
your proposal."
"May I ask," returned Vendale, "if that is the only result of your
interview with Miss Obenreizer?"
A momentary flash leapt out through the Obenreizer film.
"You are master of the situation," he answered, in a tone of sardonic
submission. "If you insist on my admitting it, I do admit it in those
words. My niece's will and mine used to be one, Mr.
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