I cannot give way."
Ferrier raised his eyebrows with a little perplexed look. Thrusting his
hands into his pockets, he went to stand by the fire, staring down into
it a minute or two, as though the flames might bring counsel.
"Miss Mallory is still ignorant, Oliver--is that so?" he said, at last.
"Entirely. But it is not possible she should continue to be so. She has
begun to make inquiries, and I agree with Sir James it is right she
should be told--"
"I propose to go down to Beechcote to-morrow," put in Sir James.
"Have you any idea what view Miss Mallory would be likely to take of the
matter--as affecting her engagement?"
"She could have no view that was not unselfish and noble--like herself,"
said Marsham, hotly. "What has that to do with it?" [Illustration:
"'DEAR LADY,' HE SAID, GENTLY, 'I THINK YOU OUGHT TO GIVE WAY!'"]
"She might release you," was Ferrier's slow reply.
Marsham flushed.
"And you think I should be such a hound as to let her!"
Sir James only just prevented himself from throwing a triumphant look at
his hostess.
"You will, of course, inform her of your mother's opposition?" said
Ferrier.
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