"What if Stella has deceived you, Dick?"
It was too dark for him to see the smile upon his son's face, but he heard the reply, and the confidence of it stung him to exasperation.
"She hasn't done that," said Dick. "If you are sure of nothing else, sir, you may be quite certain of what I am telling you now. She hasn't done that."
He remained silent for a few moments waiting for any rejoinder, and getting none he continued:
"There's something else I wanted to speak to you about."
"Yes?"
"The date of our marriage."
The old man moved sharply in his chair.
"There's no hurry, Richard. You must find out how it will affect your career. You have been so long at Little Beeding where we hear very little from the outer world. You must consult your Colonel."
Dick Hazlewood would not listen to the argument.