, even his slangy talk, were accepted as evidence that he was
above conventionalities. "The little man isn't a beauty," said Sally
McTabb, "but he shows 'race.'" He might be eccentric, but when you came
to know him you couldn't help liking the embryo duke in him.

In fact, things were going very well with Mrs. Mavick, except in her own
household. There was something there that did not yield, that did not
flow with her plans. With Lord Montague she was on the most intimate
and confidential relations. He was almost daily at the house. Often she
drove with him; frequently Evelyn was with them. Indeed, the three came
to be associated in the public mind. There could be no doubt of the
intentions of the young nobleman. That he could meet any opposition was
not conceived.

The noble lord, since they had been in Newport, had freely opened his
mind to Mrs. Mavick, and on a fit occasion had formally requested her
daughter's hand. Needless to say that he was accepted. Nay, more, he
felt that he was trusted like a son. He was given every opportunity to
press his suit. Somewhat to his surprise, he did not appear to make much
headway. He was rarely able to see her alone, even for a moment. Such
evasiveness in a young girl to a man of his rank astonished him. There
could be no reason for it in himself; there must be some influence at
work unknown to his social experience.

He did not reproach Mrs. Mavick with this, but he let her see that he
was very much annoyed.

"If I had not your assurance to the contrary, Mrs. Mavick," he said one
day in a pet, "I should think she shunned me."

"Oh, no, Lord Montague, that could not be. I told you that she had had a
peculiar education; she is perfectly ignorant of the world, she is shy,
and--well, for a girl in her position, she is unconventional. She is so
young that she does not yet understand what life is."

"You mean she does not know what I offer her?"

"Why, my dear Lord Montague, did you ever offer her anything?"

"Not flat, no," said my lord, hesitating. "Every time I approach her she
shies off like a young filly. There is something I don't understand."

"Evelyn," and Mrs. Mavick spoke with feeling, "is an affectionate and
dutiful child. She has never thought of marriage. The prospect is all
new to her. But I am sure she would learn to love you if she knew you
and her mind were once turned upon such a union. My lord, why not say
to her what you feel, and make the offer you intend