A look of sorrow fitted over his face.
"I can not restore it, Master Ormerod. That fact is indisputable. My one hold upon public opinion was my success and the power it gave me. Let me fail and lose my power, and my influence is dead."
"Yes," I agreed; "that is true."
"Moreover," he went on, "my savages are killed or scattered. My organization is gone. My most valuable servants are slain."
"And Mistress Marjory?"
He regarded me oddly.
"Do you care to sue for her hand?" he parried.
"I shall wed her, if she pleases," I responded; "but I do assure you, sir, I have no intent to approach you in the matter."
"You make a grave mistake then. I should like to settle upon her a jointure proportionate to her birth and heritage."
My first sensation of amusement was turned to ridicule.