"And you did not hesitate at five!" smiling humorously.
"I did hesitate. I think you can never know how much. But I was older and more experienced, and a good deal in love with the father of the children," flushing girlishly, "while Marian shrinks from Mr. Greaves. I do not think he would attract any young girl. Jane feels dreadfully about it. I like Lieutenant Ralston very much myself."
"He is a fine fellow, but not really abounding in this world's goods, and that goes a great way with father."
"Suppose it were Jaqueline?"
"I had rather it would be Carrington."
"But if she loved him?"
"I do not think Marian is in love with anybody. I suppose I am too lax, but father Floyd is too rigid. And mother upholds him. The girls have been trained to obey. What will you do when Jaqueline refuses some nice, suitable, prosperous young man and sets her heart on a spendthrift—a ne'er-do-well?"
"Turn her over to her father."
Mr. Mason shrugged his shoulders, and his eyes twinkled.
"And Annis?"