“In coming to Lisbon I had another object besides these concessions. I met your daughter in Paris, and my disappointment was intense when I found that she was betrothed to Major Sampayo. I had hoped that in all my affairs I should have enjoyed the advantage of your help—as that of a relative by marriage.”
He tossed up his hands and stared at me in speechless surprise.
“Since I have been here—you must pardon my speaking very freely—it has come to my knowledge that Sampayo has forced himself upon you by reason of his knowledge of certain matters.”
“My dear Mr. Donnington——” He could get no further, and jumped up from his chair and began to pace the room in extreme agitation.
“My reason for speaking in this way is to ask you one very vital question. If Major Sampayo were to relinquish his claims to your daughter’s hand, would you be willing to honour me by allowing me to plead my own cause with her?”
“I should be only too——” he cried impulsively but checked himself in the middle of the sentence, and shook his head again. “It is out of the question; out of the question.”
“I am answered, on the one point. Now, will you go a step further and tell me why you deem it out of the question?”
“I really cannot discuss the matter. I really cannot,” he said nervously. “You must excuse me.”
“I cannot press you, of course. But will you think it over and let me see you again?”
“I am afraid I must say it would be quite useless, Mr. Donnington.”