“Exactly,” said Osborn.  “From my point of view, it’s an awkward drawback.  I doubt if my daughter is suited for the part.”  He looked at Mrs. Osborn and resumed:  “But this is a matter Grace must decide about and you insisted that no pressure should be used.  I imagine you were afraid of my influence and do not know if I am afraid of yours or not.  If you agree, I will send for her.”

Kit said he was willing and was silent when Osborn went away.  Although he imagined Mrs. Osborn was sympathetic, he could not force himself to talk.  Since he had insisted that persuasion must not be used, he could not demand to meet Grace alone and she might find it hard to accept his plans without some explanation, which would be awkward to give when her parents were there.  He could, if he wanted, change his mode of life, but if they were to be happy, she must be removed from influences he thought dangerous and he must use his energy in useful work.  He saw this very clearly; but whether Grace would see it was another thing.

He felt some strain while he waited and watched the trembling shadows move upon the grass.  The rays of light that pierced the dark foliage flickered about Mrs. Osborn’s dress and when he glanced at her he thought her look encouraging, but she did not speak.  By and by Osborn returned and said Grace was coming, and Kit found the suspense hard to bear.

At length she came and his heart beat as he watched her cross the lawn.  She wore a plain white dress and when she stopped in front of the others her face was pale but calm.

“Mr. Askew has asked my permission to marry you and I cannot refuse if you agree,” Osborn said in a formal tone.  “He stipulates that I must not persuade you one way or the other, and declares that he does not want to work upon your gratitude.”

Some color came into Grace’s face as she looked at Kit.  “Then, you don’t value my gratitude?”

“I value it very much,” Kit replied with forced quietness.  “But I feel it ought not to count.”

He stopped awkwardly, for he noted a sparkle in Grace’s eyes and felt that he was badly handicapped.  She was proud and probably did not understand his disinterested attitude.  It was a relief when Mrs. Osborn interposed: 

“Mr. Askew is trying to be just.  We have agreed that you are not to be influenced.”

“Ah,” said Grace, “I think I see—­”

She waited and Osborn went on:  “Since you are to make a free choice, I must state things as plainly as I can.  Mr. Askew is not poor; he is able to give you all we think you ought to have.  In fact, there is no very obvious reason he should not leave Ashness, but he does not mean to do so, and although I cannot follow his argument, imagines that it would be better for you both if he carries on his farming.  It looks as if he did not approve our rule.”

Kit frowned, and colored when Grace turned to him.  On the whole, Osborn had not stated things incorrectly, but the situation was embarrassing; Grace would, no doubt, resent the stipulation he felt forced to make and expect a more lover-like attitude from the man who asked her to be his wife.