me--not wholly anyhow. If
it were, I must seek excuse in the fact that I have lived a month under
that nightmare." I must have given some sign of protest or indignation.
"Well, I beg your pardon--under that impression."

"From that, at least, you're relieved--by the present arrangement."

"The proposed arrangement"--I noticed that he corrected my epithet--"has
not my approval, Mr. Austin. The other day I called it ridiculous. That
was perhaps too strong. But it is profoundly distasteful to me, and not
at all to my son's interest. I wish to say plainly that I am doing and
shall do my best to dissuade him from it."

"If he won't be dissuaded?"

"I venture to hope that we needn't discuss that eventuality. Time
enough, if it should occur."

"Miss Octon's feelings----"

"What Miss Driver has--properly and legitimately as you maintain--used
her efforts to promote, she will probably be able, with a little more
trouble, to undo. That seems to me not my affair."

His defense was very quiet, very stubborn. He told me no more than
suited him. But I was entitled to lay hold of the two grounds of
objection which he had advanced; the arrangement was distasteful to
him--and not at all to his son's interest.

"I thank you for your candor in putting me in possession of your views.
Miss Driver would wish me to be equally frank with you. She has
anticipated your objections."

"She could hardly do otherwise," he remarked, smiling faintly.

"As regards the first, her position is that this girl can't be held
responsible for anything in the past. She, at least, is blameless."

"I occupy the position of my parents--and bear their burdens, Mr.
Austin. So do you of yours. It's the way of the world, I'm afraid, and
Miss Driver can't alter it."

"She regards this sentimental objection----"

"You would apply that term to my objection to allying my family with the
late Mr. Octon's?"

I was not quite sure of my epithet myself. "I didn't say your objection
wasn't natural."

"Perhaps you might go so far as to admit that it is inevitable? I on my
part will admit that the girl herself appears to be unexceptionable.
Indeed, I liked her very much, when I met her at our friend Alison's.
That, however, doesn't in my view alter the case."

"I understand. Will you permit me to pass to the other point you
mentioned--that of your son's interest?"

"If you please," he said, with a slight inclination of his head, as he
leaned back in his chai