Feeling that he had, perhaps, said too much, Kettering began to talk of the next day’s sport; and soon afterward Bland left him and went out on the terrace to smoke and ponder.  Putting what he had learned together, he thought he understood the situation, and it was not a pleasant one, though he was not very indignant with Sylvia.  It looked as if she made an unfair use of Lansing’s regard for her, unless, in spite of Kettering’s opinion, she had until lately been undecided how to choose between them.  Nevertheless, Bland could not feel that he had now been rudely undeceived, for he had always recognized some of Sylvia’s failings.  He did not expect perfection; and he could be generous, when he had won.

He asked Sylvia no injudicious questions when they met the next morning, and during the day he called on Herbert Lansing, who was back in his office.  The latter heard him explain his errand with somewhat mixed feelings, for there were certain rather troublesome facts that must be mentioned.

“Well,” he said, “I have, of course, no objections to make; but, as one of her trustees, it’s my duty to look after Sylvia’s interests.  As you know, she is not rich.”

“I suppose these points must he talked over,” Bland said, with indifference.

“It’s usual, and in the present case, necessary.  What provision are you able to make?”

Bland looked a little uncomfortable.  “As a matter of fact, I’d find it difficult to make any provision.  I get along fairly well, as it is, but I’ve only about four hundred a year besides my pay.”

“How far does your pay go?” Herbert asked dryly.

“It covers my mess bills and a few expenses of that nature.”

Herbert leaned back in his chair with a smile.

“Hasn’t it struck you that you should have chosen a wife with money?”

“Now,” said Bland rather sternly, “I don’t want to lie open to any misconception, but I understood that Mrs. Marston had some means.  I’m quite prepared to hear they’re small.”

“That’s fortunate, because it may save you a shock.  Sylvia owns a farm in Canada, which did not repay the cost of working it last year.  During the present one there has been an improvement, and we expect a small surplus on the two years’ operations.  The place has been valued at—­but perhaps I had better give you a few figures, showing you how matters stand.”

Opening a drawer, he handed a paper to Bland, who studied it with a sense of dismay.

“I’ll confess that this is an unpleasant surprise,” he said at length; and then, while Herbert waited, he pulled himself together with a laugh.  “After that admission, I must add that the mistake is the result of my having a sanguine imagination; Sylvia scarcely mentioned her Canadian property.  Now, however, there’s only one thing to be done—­to face the situation as cheerfully as possible.”

“It can’t be an altogether attractive one.”  Herbert admired his courage and the attitude he had adopted.