"I was only in the garden. You might have sent for me. I should have been delighted to come and sing for you. Shall I do so now?"
"After a little. Sit down and let me talk to you for a few minutes. I suppose you can imagine what it is that gave me a particularly bad night, and has set my nerves on edge this morning?"
"I am afraid that it is worry," said Marion, sitting down near him. "You did not like what Mr. Earle said last night."
"I certainly did not like it. The announcement he made was a great surprise to me and a great shock. Under any circumstances, I should be sorry for any one in whom I felt an interest to take such a step; but you are probably aware that I have felt a peculiar interest in Brian."
"I have heard that your intentions toward him have been most kind."
"I have desired that he shall take with me the place of a son. I have asked him to accept the duties of such a position—duties that would not be very heavy,—and I have promised that, in return, he shall inherit everything that is mine. Do you think that an unreasonable proposal?"
"Very far from it," answered Marion. "I think it most reasonable and most kind. I can not understand how he can hesitate over it."
"He does not hesitate," said Mr. Singleton, bitterly: "he refuses it. After that I ought to be willing to let him go; but the truth of the matter is, I have no one to take his place. He is not only my nearest relative, but there is something about him that attaches one to him despite one's self. My dear"—he looked wistfully, yet keenly, into the beautiful face,—"it has occurred to me that perhaps you might have some influence over him."
"I!" exclaimed Marion. For a moment her surprise was so great that she could say nothing more. Then, with the realization of his meaning, a wave of color came into her face. "I have no reason to suppose that I have the least influence with Mr. Earle," she said. "If I had, I would gladly use it for the ends about which you are so anxious."
"I am sure of that," observed Mr. Singleton, significantly. "Well, all I can say is that nothing would please me more than for you to acquire such influence. If you should acquire it, and if you should consent to use it always, I would be a very delighted old man. You understand me, I see, so I need say no more. Now go and sing for me."