Roma shook her head doubtfully.
‘I don’t feel as if I could sleep.’
‘Why not?’
‘Everything is so strange. I can’t bear deceiving my father, or seeing you victimized like this; and I can’t see any way out of it.’
‘Miss Meredith, there is no need for you to see anything at all. All you have to do is to play your part in the little farce with which we are humouring him. All the rest lies with me, and is out of your province altogether. Leave it to me.’
‘I must; but I dare not think what will happen.’
‘Nothing will happen. Your father will yield up his desire to make me his son-in-law, as quietly and willingly as heart could wish.’
Roma shook her head.
‘You do not know him, Mr. Debenham, or you would not say so.’
‘It is because I do know him well that I do say so.’