‘But he did not see Hester?’

‘Certainly not to-day.’

Then the old man looked up into his son’s face, as though seeking some expression there from which he might take some counsel.  His own nature had ever been imperious; but he was old now, and, in certain difficulties which environed him, he was apt to lean on his son Robert.  It was Robert who encouraged him still to keep in his hands some share of the management of the bank; and it was to Robert that he could look for counsel when the ceremonious strictness of his wife at home became almost too hard even for him.

‘It is natural to suppose that Hester should be married some day,’ said the lawyer.

‘Her mother will never wish it.’

’She will never wish it at any given moment, but she would probably assent to the proposition generally.  Why not Hester as well as another girl?  It is the happiest life for women.’

‘I am not sure.  I am not sure.’

’Women think so themselves, and Hester will probably be the same as others.  She will, of course, have an opinion of her own.’

‘She will be guided by her mother.’

’Not altogether.  It will only be fair that she should be consulted on a matter of such importance to herself.’

‘You would not tell her what this man has been saying?’

’Not necessarily.  I say that she should be consulted generally as to her future life.  In regard to this man, I see no objection to him if he be a good man.’

‘He was here at college.  You know what he did then?’

’Yes; and I know, too, something of what he has done since.  He went away disinherited and almost degraded.  He has come back, as I hear, comparatively a rich man.  He has got back his inheritance, which might probably be settled on his children if he were to be married.  And all this he has done off his own bat.  Where other men stumble so frequently, he has stood on his legs.  No doubt, he has lived with rough people, but still he seems to be a gentleman.  Hester will be well off, no doubt, some day.’

‘She will have something,—­something,’ said the old man.

’But this suitor asks for nothing.  It is not as though he were coming to you to prop him up in the world.  It does not look like that at least.  Of course, we ought to make inquiry as to his means.’

‘The mortgage has been paid off.’

’So much we know, and the rest may be found out.  I do not mean at all to say that he should be allowed to have his own way.  I think too much of my sister for that.  But, in this matter, we ought to regard simply her happiness and her welfare;—­and in considering that you ought to be prepared for her coming marriage.  You may take it for granted that she will choose to give herself, sooner or later, to some man.  Give a girl good looks, and good sense, and good health, and she is sure to wish to be some man’s wife,—­unless she be deterred by some conventual superstition.’