"Then I think I ought to see her," continued the Captain. "She can't know at present what is my income."
"Lady Albury has told us that it is sufficient."
"But that means nothing. Your niece cannot be aware that I have a very pretty little place of my own down in Berkshire."
"I don't think it would make a difference," said Mrs. Dosett.
"Or that I shall be willing to settle upon her a third of my income. It is not many gentlemen who will do as much as that for a young lady, when the young lady has nothing of her own."
"I am sure you are very generous."
"Yes, I am. I always was generous. And I have no impediments to get rid of; not a trouble of that kind in all the world. And I don't owe a shilling. Very few young men, who have lived as much in the world as I have, can say that."
"I am sure your position is all that is desirable."
"That's just it. No position could be more desirable. I should give up the service immediately as soon as I was married." At that Mrs. Dosett bowed, not knowing what words to find for further conversation. "After that," continued the Captain, "do you mean to say that I am not to be allowed to see the young lady?"
"I cannot force her to come down, Captain Batsby."