Thus ended the conversation, so far as it concerned Caterina, not without leaving a distinct resolution in Captain Wybrow’s mind—­a resolution carried into effect the next day, when he was in the library with Sir Christopher for the purpose of discussing some arrangements about the approaching marriage.

‘By the by,’ he said carelessly, when the business came to a pause, and he was sauntering round the room with his hands in his coat-pockets, surveying the backs of the books that lined the walls, ’when is the wedding between Gilfil and Caterina to come off, sir?  I’ve a fellow-feeling for a poor devil so many fathoms deep in love as Maynard.  Why shouldn’t their marriage happen as soon as ours?  I suppose he has come to an understanding with Tina?’

‘Why,’ said Sir Christopher, ’I did think of letting the thing be until old Crichley died; he can’t hold out very long, poor fellow; and then Maynard might have entered into matrimony and the rectory both at once.  But, after all, that really is no good reason for waiting.  There is no need for them to leave the Manor when they are married.  The little monkey is quite old enough.  It would be pretty to see her a matron, with a baby about the size of a kitten in her arms.’

’I think that system of waiting is always bad.  And if I can further any settlement you would like to make on Caterina, I shall be delighted to carry out your wishes.’

’My dear boy, that’s very good of you; but Maynard will have enough; and from what I know of him—­and I know him well—­I think he would rather provide for Caterina himself.  However, now you have put this matter into my head, I begin to blame myself for not having thought of it before.  I’ve been so wrapt up in Beatrice and you, you rascal, that I had really forgotten poor Maynard.  And he’s older than you—­it’s high time he was settled in life as a family man.’

Sir Christopher paused, took snuff in a meditative manner, and presently said, more to himself than to Anthony, who was humming a tune at the far end of the room, ’Yes, yes.  It will be a capital plan to finish off all our family business at once.’

Riding out with Miss Assher the same morning, Captain Wybrow mentioned to her incidentally, that Sir Christopher was anxious to bring about the wedding between Gilfil and Caterina as soon as possible, and that he, for his part, should do all he could to further the affair.  It would be the best thing in the world for Tina, in whose welfare he was really interested.

With Sir Christopher there was never any long interval between purpose and execution.  He made up his mind promptly, and he acted promptly.  On rising from luncheon, he said to Mr. Gilfil, ’Come with me into the library, Maynard.  I want to have a word with you.’

‘Maynard, my boy,’ he began, as soon as they were seated, tapping his snuff-box, and looking radiant at the idea of the unexpected pleasure he was about to give, ’why shouldn’t we have two happy couples instead of one, before the autumn is over, eh?’