"Conscience," he repeated. "You ought to know me better, Brooks, than to suppose me possessed of such a thing. No; I have a sense of justice, that is all—a sort of weakness for seeing the scales held fairly. Now, don't you think it is reasonable that she should accept this money from me?"
"It depends entirely upon how she feels," Brooks answered. "You have no right to press it upon her if she has scruples. Nor have you any right to try and enlist her family on your side, as you seem to be doing."
Will you discuss it with her?
"I should not attempt to influence her," Brooks answered.
"Be reasonable, Brooks. The money can make no earthly difference to me, and it secures for her independence. The obligation, if only a moral one, is real enough. There is no question of charity. Use your influence with her."
Brooks shook his head.
"I have great confidence in Miss Scott's own judgment," he said. "I prefer not to interfere."
Arranmore sat quite still for a moment. Then he rose slowly to his feet.
"I am sorry to have troubled you," he said. "The world seems to have grown more quixotic since I knew it better. I am almost afraid to ask you whether my last letter has yet received the favour of your consideration."
Brooks flushed a little at the biting sarcasm in Arranmore's tone, but he restrained himself.