“What I have to say, coming so soon after my long absence, will probably surprise you.  I had it in contemplation before my departure, and was only prevented from broaching it to you then by circumstances which have happily since lost their significance.  When I tell you that my communication has reference to Marian, you will perhaps guess its nature.”

“Indeed!” said Mr. Lind, affecting surprise.  “Well, Sholto, if it be so, you have my heartiest approval.  You know what a lonely life her marriage will entail on me; so you will not expect me to consent without a few regrets.  But I could not desire a better settlement for her.  She must leave me some day.  I have no right to complain.”

“We shall not be very far asunder, I hope; and it is in Marian’s nature to form many ties, but to break none.”

“She is an amiable girl, my—­my darling child.  Does she know anything of this?”

“I am here at her express request; and there remains to me the pleasure of getting her own final consent, which I would not press for until armed with your sanction.”

Except for an involuntary hitch of his eyelids, Mr. Lind looked as if he believed perfectly in Douglas’s respect for his parental claims.  “Quite right,” he said, “quite right.  You have my best wishes.  I have no doubt you will succeed:  none.  There are, of course, a few affairs to be settled—­a few contingencies to be provided for—­children—­accidents—­and so forth.  No difficulty is likely to arise between us on that score; but still, these things have to be arranged.”

“I propose a very simple method of arranging them.  You are a man of honor, and more conversant with business than I. Give me your instructions.  My lawyer shall have them within half an hour.”

“That is said like a gentleman and a Douglas, Sholto.  But I must consider before giving you an answer.  You have thrown upon me the duty of studying your position as well as Marian’s; and I must neither abuse your generosity nor neglect her interest.”

“You will, nevertheless, allow me to consider the conditions as settled, since I leave them entirely in your hands.”

“My own means have been seriously crippled by the extravagance of Reginald.  Indeed both my boys have cost me much money.  I had not, like you, the good fortune to be an only son.  I was the fourth son of a younger son:  there was very little left for me.  I will treat Marian as liberally as I can; but I fear I cannot do anything for her that will bear comparison with your munificence.”

“Surely I can give her enough.  I should prefer to be solely responsible for her welfare.”

“Oh no.  That would be too bad.  Oh no, Sholto:  I will give her something, please God.”

“As you wish, Mr. Lind.  We can arrange it to your satisfaction afterward.  Do you intend returning to Westbourne Terrace soon?”

“I am afraid not.  I have to go into the City.  If you would care to come with me, I can shew you the Company’s place there, and the working of the motor.  It is well worth seeing.  Then you can return with me to the Terrace and dine with us.  After dinner you can talk to Marian.”