"Yes! He was going to ask you to consent to our marriage."
"Very considerate of him; but as yet he has not done so. Who is my future son-in-law?"
"Father," cried Kaituna, the tears coming into her eyes, "do not speak so cruelly. He is a civil engineer, and I love him very--very dearly. Mr. Clendon, the vicar, knows him. He is staying there just now."
"Very interesting indeed. Has he any money?"
"I don't know! I think not."
"So you were going to marry in this extremely doubtful fashion. I must say the whole affair does equal credit to your heart and head."
"Father!"
"Pardon me! one moment. This estate is entailed, and should I die to-morrow, you do not inherit a penny, as it goes to the next male heir of the Pethrams. If, then, you do not make a good match, I confess I do not see how you are to live."
Kaituna said nothing, but remained with downcast eyes, looking at the ground, while her father went on speaking in a cold tranquil tone.
"Knowing that you would be penniless at my death, I went out to New Zealand, sold all my property, and invested the money in an Australian Silver Mining Company. You may be sure I did not do so without first personally inquiring thoroughly about the prospects of the company. From what I learned, I am sure that it will turn out well, and in the event of its doing so, you will be an heiress. Under these circumstances I can rest assured as to your future, should I die in an unexpected manner."