So why discuss it? Why make plans or
promises? It is a matter to be handled with the greatest delicacy;
there are important issues linked with it. Where there is the
prospect of an alliance between two houses--of business or
politics--you will understand that according to our ideas, those
considerations must govern--absolutely. Otherwise--I do not know--
I can say nothing to encourage you except--that, for a young man I
have known so very short a time"--he smiled genially--"you have
impressed me not unfavorably. I thank you for coming to me, at any
rate."
The two men rose and shook hands; Kirk was not altogether cast
down by the result of the interview. He understood the banker's
allusion to the possible change of arrangements, and felt sure
from what Chiquita had told him that the marriage with Ramon could
not take place after the true nature of Garavel's political
aspirations became known. In that case, if all went well, it did
not seem impossible that Garavel would give his consent, and then
Gertrudis alone would remain to be won. If, on the other hand, her
father refused his permission--well, there are many ways of
winning a bride. Kirk believed in his lucky star, and had a
constitutional inability to imagine failure.
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