 was considerable. To-night it was
managed, however; the front parlour was granted to the pair for one hour.
    It could not be said that there was much delicacy in Alfred's way of
approaching the subject he wished to speak of. This young man had a scorn of
periphrases. If a topic had to be handled, why not be succinct in the handling?
Alfred was of opinion that much time was lost by mortals in windy talk.
    »Look here, Letty; what's your idea about Adela marrying Mutimer?«
    The girl looked startled.
    »She has not accepted him?«
    »Not yet. Don't you think it would be a good thing if she did?«
    »I really can't say,« Letty replied very gravely, her head aside. »I don't
think any one can judge but Adela herself. Really, Alfred, I don't think we
ought to interfere.«
    »But suppose I ask you to try and get her to see the affair sensibly?«
    »Sensibly? What a word to use!«
    »The right word, I think.«
    »What a vexatious boy you are! You don't really think so at all. You only
speak so because you like to tease me.«
    »Well, you certainly do look pretty when you're defending the castles in the
air. Give me a kiss.«
    »Indeed, I shall not. Tell me seriously what you mean. What does Mrs.
Waltham think about it?«
    »Give me a kiss, and I'll tell you. If not, I'll go away and leave you to
find out everything as best you can.«
    »Oh, Alfred, you're a sad tyrant!«
    »Of course I am. But it's a benevolent despotism. Well, mother wants Adela
to accept him. In fact, she asked me if I didn't think you'd help us. Of course
I said you would.«
    »Then you were very hasty. I'm not joking now, Alfred. I think of Adela in a
way you very likely can't understand. It would be shocking, oh! shocking, to try
and make her marry him if she doesn't really wish to.«
    »No fear! We shan't manage that.«
    »And surely wouldn't wish to?«
    »I don't know. Girls often can't see what's best for them. I say,
