 subdued, inward,
yet distinct tones, which Lush had long been used to recognise as the expression
of a peremptory will.
    »Are there any other couples you would like to invite?«
    »Yes; think of some decent people, with a daughter or two. And one of your
damned musicians. But not a comic fellow.«
    »I wonder if Klesmer would consent to come to us when he leaves Quetcham.
Nothing but first-rate music will go down with Miss Arrowpoint.«
    Lush spoke carelessly, but he was really seizing an opportunity and fixing
an observant look on Grandcourt, who now for the first time turned his eyes
towards his companion, but slowly, and without speaking until he had given two
long luxurious puffs, when he said, perhaps in a lower tone than ever, but with
a perceptible edge of contempt -
    »What in the name of nonsense have I to do with Miss Arrowpoint and her
music?«
    »Well, something,« said Lush, jocosely. »You need not give yourself much
trouble, perhaps. But some forms must be gone through before a man can marry a
million.«
    »Very likely. But I am not going to marry a million.«
    »That's a pity - to fling away an opportunity of this sort, and knock down
your own plans.«
    »Your plans, I suppose you mean.«
    »You have some debts, you know, and things may turn out inconveniently after
all. The heir-ship is not absolutely certain.«
    Grandcourt did not answer, and Lush went on.
    »It really is a fine opportunity. The father and mother ask for nothing
better, I can see, and the daughter's looks and manners require no allowances,
any more than if she hadn't a sixpence. She is not beautiful; but equal to
carrying any rank. And she is not likely to refuse such prospects as you can
offer her.«
    »Perhaps not.«
    »The father and mother would let you do anything you liked with them.«
    »But I should not like to do anything with them.«
    Here it was Lush who made a little pause before speaking again, and then he
said in a deep voice of remonstrance, »Good God, Grandcourt! after your
experience, will you let a whim interfere with your comfortable settlement in
life?«
    »Spare your oratory. I know what I am going to do.«
    »What?« Lush put down his cigar and thrust his hands into his side pockets,
as if he had to face
