“I wish you every success, my dear friend,” said Ross, “and I have no doubt as to the result of your interview.  And I don’t see why you should not be very happy.  After all, as you say, you are not marrying the father.  You are marrying Marie, who is a very high-principled girl, who is beautiful, who is accomplished, and who would, I am certain, do everything to make her husband happy.”

And so it was settled, and next morning I called on Mr. Dalmayne.

Mr. Dalmayne, a tall, aristocratic man of about sixty, received me with great cordiality.  Whether Ross, who had dined with him on the previous night, had mentioned anything of my matter to him I don’t know, but the old gentleman did not seem to be the least surprised when I told him what the object of my visit was.

“Mr. Dalmayne,” said I, “you will doubtless be wondering why I have called to see you”—­Mr. Dalmayne’s face assumed a sphinx-like expression—­I will not keep you waiting for an explanation.  The truth is that I have fallen in love with your daughter.  Our mutual friend Adam Ross can tell you all about me, and I don’t think that his report would be an unfavourable one.  My position is this.  I have saved three hundred thousand pounds, which produces an income of about twelve thousand a year.  And I am making at least another twenty thousand a year from my share of our mine and other sound enterprises.  Should you permit me to address Miss Dalmayne, and should I be happy and fortunate enough to induce her to become my wife, I should propose to settle two hundred thousand pounds upon her for her exclusive use.”

“Your proposals are most generous,” said Mr. Dalmayne, “and do you credit.  But in matters of this kind I should never dream of attempting to control my daughter.  You have, however, my full permission to speak to her, and if she is willing to marry you, you both have my full consent.  My wife shares my views entirely.  Marie is out with her mother at the present moment, but she will be in all the afternoon, and if you will call about four I will see that you have the opportunity for which you are seeking.”

I thanked Mr. Dalmayne most cordially and promised to return in the afternoon.  When I again arrived at Eaton Terrace I was shown into the drawing-room, where I found Mrs. and Miss Dalmayne and a sister of Mrs. Dalmayne’s.  Tea was brought in, and shortly afterwards the visitor took her departure.  A few minutes later Mrs. Dalmayne made some excuse for leaving the room, and I was left alone with Marie.  My heart had beaten hard from excitement as I had knocked at the door, but strange to say I felt no nervousness now.  I plunged into the matter that brought me without delay.  I told Miss Dalmayne of the wonderful effect produced upon me by her beauty and charm, and in the fewest words possible I asked her to be my wife, promising that she would never repent it.

“You have done me a great honour,” said Miss Dalmayne, “but I must have a little time to think over what you have said and to consult my parents.  You shall hear from me at latest the day after tomorrow.”