"I feel quite capable of deciding that," replied the boy easily. "I know something of the world—something, I fancy, of women!"
"And you are almost of age," added Hal.
"I am about to attain my majority," said Yester stiffly. "And when I do——"
"You hope to celebrate it by your marriage to my wife?"
The other bowed with an engaging smile.
"Quite so. Well, I shall not stand in the way of your happiness, Lord Yester."
"That is very noble of you."
"I'm afraid it's rather selfish of me. Your happiness happens to correspond with mine. And I hope in the future you will never have cause to think bitterly of me."
In Hal's eyes lurked an embryo twinkle. What a ripping farce civilization was!
"On the contrary," said Yester, happy beyond words, "I think you have behaved exceedingly well. You conceal your sufferings like a soldier and you join me in protecting the good name of the woman we have both loved. I can only say that you have acted like a gentleman, Lord Effington."