ng me of it. As I have told you before, we all
like you very much, but this marriage is impossible; and I will never
consent, at least for the present, to an engagement between you.'

'Olive, have you nothing to say? I will not give you up unless you tell
me yourself that I must do so.'

'Oh, mamma, what shall I do?' said Olive, bursting into a passionate
flood of tears.

'Say what I told you to say,' whispered Mrs. Barton.

'You see, Edward, that mamma won't consent, at least not for the
present, to our engagement.'

This was enough for Mrs. Barton's purpose, and, soothing her daughter
with many words, she led her to the door. Then, confronting Captain
Hibbert, she said:

'There is never any use in forcing on these violent scenes. As I have
told you, there is no one I should prefer to yourself. We always say
here that there is no one like _le beau capitaine_; but, in the face of
these bad times, how can I give you my daughter? And you soldiers forget
so quickly. In a year's time you'll have forgotten all about Olive.'

'That isn't true; I shall never forget her. I cannot forget her; but I
will consent to wait if you will consent to our being engaged.'

'No, Captain Hibbert, I think it is better not. I do not approve of
those long engagements.'

'Then you'll forget what has passed between us, and let us be the same
friends as we were before?'

'I hope we shall always remain friends; but I do not think, for my
daughter's peace of mind, it would be advisable for us to see as much of
each other as we have hitherto done. And I hope you will promise me not
to communicate with my Olive in any way.'

'Why should I enter into promises with you, Mrs. Barton, when you
decline to enter into any with me?'

Mrs. Barton did not look as if she intended to answer this question. The
conversation had fallen, and her thoughts had gone back to the tenants
and the reduction that Mr. Scully was now persuading them to accept. He
talked apart, first with one, then with another. His square bluff figure
in a long coarse ulster stood out in strong relief against the green
grass and the evergreens.

'Thin it is decided yer pay at twinty-foive per cint.,' said Mr. Scully.

'Then, Captain Hibbert,' said Mrs. Barton a little sternly, 'I am very
sorry indeed, that we can't agree; but, after what has passed between us
to-day, I do not think you will be justified in again trying to see my
daughter.'

'Begad, sor, they were all aginst