"You do not believe that I could make her happy? I would die for her!"
"I believe it!"—and the Rector's broad hand came on his shoulder. "But many a man would give his life for a woman, whom yet he could not make happy as her husband. I do not know you, but I like your look. If other things were different, I would gladly consent to know you better—to consider possibilities. As things are,—the objections are insuperable."
"You mean—my mother being Mr. Paine's niece!"
"That has weight. I have the greatest respect and liking for Mr. Paine; but our positions in life are apart. But also—Mr. Maurice— who and what was your father?"
The strained white face hardened.
"Can you tell me anything at all about him?"
"No—except that he was not Phil Morris. So much we have just learnt. For some reason, my mother has shown—great reserve."
"A wife does not show such reserve without stringent reason."
Maurice flushed, only to whiten again.
"You see!" murmured the Rector. "It is impossible. And—Doris sees it to be so."