"The d—— she did," said the Dean. Mary almost jumped in her chair, she was so much startled by such a word from her father's mouth. "If he's fool enough to listen to that old cat, he'll make himself a miserable and a contemptible man. Did she say anything to him about this very man?"
"She said something very unpleasant to me, and of course I told George."
"Well?"
"He was all that was kind. He declared that he had no objection to make to Captain De Baron at all. I am sure there was no reason why he should."
"Tush!" exclaimed the Dean, as though any assurance or even any notice of the matter in that direction were quite unnecessary. "And there was an end of that?"
"I think he is a little inclined to be—to be——"
"To be what? You had better tell it all out, Mary."
"Perhaps what you would call strict. He told me not to waltz any more the other day."
"He's a fool," said the Dean angrily.
"Oh no, papa; don't say that. Of course he has a right to think as he likes, and of course I am bound to do as he says."