“Alan,” she said to her son, “don’t you think you encourage that young Dr. Hunter a little too much?”
She spoke moderately, because she had a great respect for her son. He was a level-headed, intelligent young fellow, who used such things as hydroplanes only for diversion, and never neglected his business. He was not handsome, like his sister, but he didn’t need to be. He was a remarkably successful lawyer for his twenty-seven years, and he was a good-humored, quick-witted, tolerant fellow whom every one was obliged to like.[Pg 114]
“Encourage him?” he repeated, with a smile. “That’s a queer way to put it. I’d like to think I encouraged any one. But why? What’s wrong with him?”
“He doesn’t seem to get on very well,” said Mrs. Lorrimer.
“He’s mistaken his métier,” her son replied casually. “But I like him very much. Plenty of nerve and grit. As a pilot—”
“Ah!” Mrs. Lorrimer interrupted. “I dare say; but as a brother-in-law?”
Alan was astounded, as brothers always are.
“What?” he exclaimed. “You don’t mean that Nesta—impossible!”
“I’m afraid she’s growing fond of him, Alan.”
He reflected in silence for some time, and then he said: