During the month which followed his return, he preserved the same appearance of indifference, seeming, indeed, thoroughly engrossed in working off arrears of business.  The fact, however, of this dissension was thrust before his notice one evening when he dined with Mr. Le Mesurier, and that gentleman dealt out extravagant praise to the French for recognising that the marriages of the children are matters which solely concern the parents.

‘We English,’ said he with a shrug of contempt at the fatuity of his countrymen, ’men and women, or rather boys and girls, choose for ourselves, and what’s the result nine times out of ten?  Well, it’s the custom, and it’s no use for a man by himself trying to alter it.’

Drake was familiar with Mr. Le Mesurier’s habit of shifting responsibilities, and while he said nothing at the moment, called upon Mrs. Willoughby the next day and questioned her openly.  Mrs. Willoughby admitted that there were disagreements, but believed them not to be deep.

‘The first year,’ she said, ’is as a rule a trying time.  There are illusions to be sloughed.  People may come out all the stronger in the end.’  Mrs. Willoughby generalised to conceal the little hopefulness she felt in regard to the particular instance.

‘I ask,’ continued Drake, ’because I thought money might be at the bottom of it.  In that case something perhaps might be done.  Mrs. Mallinson would be troubled, I believe, by a need to economise.’

‘Oh no,’ she returned.  ’There’s no trouble of that kind.  You see, Mr. Le Mesurier sold the Seigneurie, for one thing—­’

‘Sold it!’ exclaimed Drake.  ’Why, I was told that it was strictly entailed from father to child.’

’In one respect it is.  It can’t be charged with annuities.  But any one who owns it can sell it outright.  Mr. Le Mesurier always intended to sell it if Clarice married a man only moderately well off.’

Drake rose from his chair and walked once or twice quickly across the room.

‘He should have told his daughter that,’ he said slowly.

Mrs. Willoughby glanced at him in surprise.

‘Well, of course he did.’

‘Oh no, he didn’t,’ said Drake quickly.  ’You remember, I told you at Sark why she wanted our engagement to be kept secret.’

’Because your position wasn’t altogether assured.  You didn’t mention the Seigneurie.’

’No, I thought you would understand.  She believed an engagement between us would cause trouble with her father, just because it was necessary for her to marry a man who could keep up the Seigneurie.’

Mrs. Willoughby started.  ‘Clarice told you that!’ she said, staring at him.

‘Yes,’ he replied simply.  ‘So you see she didn’t know.’

Mrs. Willoughby sank back into her chair.  She had heard Mr. Le Mesurier announce his intention more than once in Clarice’s presence.  However, she fancied that no particular good would be done by informing him of the girl’s deception, and she dropped the subject.