"Write a letter to him recalling your consent."
"Impossible," said the earl.
"Why so?" inquired Mr. Murpoint.
"My word has been given and if I were to break it I should be cut by every man in London. I dared not show my face in a single club."
"It is very unfortunate," said the captain, coolly, "more unfortunate than you can imagine, for I have not told you all."
"All?" inquired the earl. "What else is there to tell?"
"Mr. Smythe is a determined man," said the captain, quietly, "and he assured me this morning that if he did not get your consent to his suit he should go to extremities."
"Extremities! what do you mean?"
"Simply this: that he will buy up the mortgages and the numerous bills which you have given, and come down on you like a hawk. He is a most determined young man. He will sell Lackland Hall and everything you possess, as sure as you stand there."
"He cannot," said the earl, with a smile. "I can make arrangements with my creditors. I can purchase the bills, raise the money, pay off the debts."