“Are you willing to tell me what impression he made in respect to his loyalty?”

“Shrewd papa!  You think this the key to the problem.  Perhaps it is, if there is any problem.  Well, so far as words went he proved his loyalty in an incidental way, and is evidently informing himself concerning events.  If he has no better proof to offer than words, his probation will end unfavorably, even though he may not be immediately aware of the fact.  Of course, now that I have granted his request, I must be polite to him so long as he chooses to come.”

“Was he as complacent and superior as ever?”

“Whither is your subtlety tending?  Are you, as well as mamma, an ally of Mr. Merwyn?  You know he was not.  Indeed, I must admit that, in manner, he carried out the spirit of his request.”

“Then, to use your own words, he was ‘befittingly humble’?  No, I am not his ally.  I am disposed to observe the results of your experiment.”

“There shall be no experimenting, papa.  Circumstances have enabled him to understand me as well as he ever can, and he must act in view of what he knows me to be.  I shall not seek to influence him, except by being myself, nor shall I lower my standard in his favor.”

“Very well, I shall note his course with some interest.  It is evident, however, that the uncertainties of his future action will not keep either of us awake.”

When she left him, he fell into a long revery, and his concluding thoughts were:  “I doubt whether Marian understands herself in respect to this young fellow.  She is too resentful.  She does not feel the indifference which she seeks to maintain.  The subtle, and, as yet, unrecognized instinct of her womanhood leads her to stand aloof.  This would be the natural course of a girl like Marian towards a man who, for any cause, had gained an unusual hold upon her thoughts.  I must inform myself thoroughly in regard to this Mr. Merwyn.  Thus far her friends have given me little solicitude; but here is one, towards whom she is inclined to be hostile, that it may be well to know all about.  Even before she is aware of it herself, she is on the defensive against him, and this, to a student of human nature, is significant.  She virtually said to-night that he must win his way and make his own unaided advances toward manhood.  Ah, my little girl! if it was not in him ever to have greater power over you than Mr. Strahan, you would take a kindlier interest in his efforts.”

If Marian idolized her father as she had said, it can readily be guessed how much she was to him, and that he was not forgetful of his purpose to learn more about one who manifested so deep an interest in his daughter, and who possibly had the power to create a responsive interest.  It so happened that he was acquainted with Mr. Bodoin, and had employed the shrewd lawyer in some government affairs.  Another case had arisen in which legal counsel was required, and on the following day advice was sought.