once. "I am very sorry," he said, with grave concern.
"I did not think that you were taking my foolishness seriously."

"I ought to be amused, I know," said Joan, bitterly. "I ought to be
humbly grateful to your father for having those children sent here. I
ought to be flattered to think that he should remember my existence and
make plans for my future."

"He--he believes that you are married to Captain Trimblett," said
Robert.

"Fortunately for us," said Joan, dryly.

"Do you mean," said Robert, regarding her fixedly, "that my father
arranged that marriage?"

Joan bit her lip. "No," she said at last.

"He had something to do with it," persisted Robert. "What was it?"

Joan shook her head.

"Well, I'll ask him about it," said Mr. Vyner.

"Please don't," said the girl. "It is my business."

"You have said so much," said Robert, "that you had better say more.
That's what comes of losing your temper. Sit down and tell me all about
it, please."

Joan shook her head again.

"You are not angry with me?" said Mr. Vyner.

"No."

"That's all right, then," said Robert, cheerfully. "That encourages me
to go to still further lengths. You've got to tell me all about it. I
forgot to tell you, but I'm a real partner in the firm now. I've got a
hard and fast share in the profits--had it last Wednesday; since when I
have already grown two inches. In exchange for this confidence I await
yours. You must speak a little louder if you want me to hear."

"I didn't say anything," said the girl.

"You are wasting time, then," said Robert, shaking his head. "And that
eldest girl of yours may come in at any moment."

Despite her utmost efforts Miss Hartley failed to repress a smile;
greatly encouraged, Mr. Vyner placed a chair for her and took one by her
side.

"Tell me everything, and I shall know where we are," he said, in a low
voice.

"I would rather--" began Miss Hartley.

"Yes, I know," interrupted Mr. Vyner, with great gravity; "but we were
not put into this world to please ourselves. Try again."

Miss Hartley endeavoured to turn the conversation, but in vain. In less
than ten minutes, with a little skilful prompting, she had told him all.

"I didn't think that it was quite so bad as that," said Robert, going
very red. "I am very sorry--very. I can't think what my father was
about, and I suppose, in the first place, that it was my fault."

"Yours?" exclaimed Joan.

"For not displaying more patience," said R