’I knew my daughter would not have engaged herself to you, Captain Hibbert, without telling me of it.  As I have told you before, we all like you very much, but this marriage is impossible; and I will never consent, at least for the present, to an engagement between you.’

’Olive, have you nothing to say?  I will not give you up unless you tell me yourself that I must do so.’

‘Oh, mamma, what shall I do?’ said Olive, bursting into a passionate flood of tears.

‘Say what I told you to say,’ whispered Mrs. Barton.

’You see, Edward, that mamma won’t consent, at least not for the present, to our engagement.’

This was enough for Mrs. Barton’s purpose, and, soothing her daughter with many words, she led her to the door.  Then, confronting Captain Hibbert, she said: 

’There is never any use in forcing on these violent scenes.  As I have told you, there is no one I should prefer to yourself.  We always say here that there is no one like le beau capitaine; but, in the face of these bad times, how can I give you my daughter?  And you soldiers forget so quickly.  In a year’s time you’ll have forgotten all about Olive.’

’That isn’t true; I shall never forget her.  I cannot forget her; but I will consent to wait if you will consent to our being engaged.’

’No, Captain Hibbert, I think it is better not.  I do not approve of those long engagements.’

’Then you’ll forget what has passed between us, and let us be the same friends as we were before?’

’I hope we shall always remain friends; but I do not think, for my daughter’s peace of mind, it would be advisable for us to see as much of each other as we have hitherto done.  And I hope you will promise me not to communicate with my Olive in any way.’

’Why should I enter into promises with you, Mrs. Barton, when you decline to enter into any with me?’

Mrs. Barton did not look as if she intended to answer this question.  The conversation had fallen, and her thoughts had gone back to the tenants and the reduction that Mr. Scully was now persuading them to accept.  He talked apart, first with one, then with another.  His square bluff figure in a long coarse ulster stood out in strong relief against the green grass and the evergreens.

‘Thin it is decided yer pay at twinty-foive per cint.,’ said Mr. Scully.

‘Then, Captain Hibbert,’ said Mrs. Barton a little sternly, ’I am very sorry indeed, that we can’t agree; but, after what has passed between us to-day, I do not think you will be justified in again trying to see my daughter.’

’Begad, sor, they were all aginst me for agraying to take the twinty-foive,’ whispered the well-to-do tenant who was talking to the agent.

‘I fail to understand,’ said Captain Hibbert haughtily, ’that Miss Barton said anything that would lead me to suppose that she wished me to give her up.  However, I do not see that anything would be gained by discussing this matter further.  Good-morning, Mrs. Barton.’