 indelicate as anything of this kind would imply. No;
but you are vexed with Madeline about some silly little difference, and you play
with her feelings. There has been enough of it; I must interfere. And now let us
talk a little about your position. Madeline has, of course, told me everything.
Listen to me, my dear Clifford; you must at once accept Mr. Hibbert's kindly
meant proposal - you must indeed.«
    Marsh had reflected anxiously during this speech. He let a moment of silence
pass; then said gravely:
    »I cannot consent to do anything of the kind, Mrs. Denyer.«
    »Oh yes, you can and will, Clifford. Silly boy, don't you see that in this
way you secure yourself the future just suited to your talents? As an artist you
will never make your way; that is certain. As a man with a substantial business
at your back, you can indulge your artistic tastes quite sufficiently, and will
make yourself the centre of an admiring circle. We cannot all be stars of the
first magnitude. Be content to shine in a provincial sphere, at all events for a
time. Madeline as your wife will help you substantially. You will have good
society, and better the richer you become. You are made to be a rich man and to
enjoy life. Now let us settle this affair with your step-father.«
    Still Clifford reflected, and again with the result that he appeared to have
no thought of being persuaded to such concessions. The debate went on for a long
time, ultimately with no little vigour on both sides. Its only immediate result
was that Marsh left the house for a few days, retiring to meditate at Pompeii.
    In the mean time there was no apparent diminution in Madeline's friendliness
towards Cecily Doran. It was not to be supposed that Madeline thought tenderly
of the other's beauty, or with warm admiration of her endowments; but she would
not let Clifford Marsh imagine that it mattered to her in the least if he at
once transferred his devotion to Miss Doran. Her tone in conversing with Cecily
became a little more patronizing, - though she spoke no more of impressionism, -
in proportion as she discovered the younger girl's openness of mind and her lack
of self-assertiveness.
    »You play the piano, I think?« she said one day.
    »For my own amusement only.«
    »And you draw?«
    »With the same reserve.«
    »Ah,« said Madeline, »I have long
