"Perhaps I am. I may as well tell the truth and shame the----
"Mr. Clendon!"
"Oh, you understand. I am in love, so is Archie. He loves your charge; I love another girl. Be a kind, good friend, Mrs. Belswin, and help Archie to make Miss Pethram Mrs. Maxwell."
"What about Sir Rupert?"
"Oh, you can persuade him, I'm sure."
Mrs. Belswin frowned.
"I have no influence with Sir Rupert," she said shortly, and rose to her feet. "Come with me, Mr. Clendon, and we will go to Kaituna."
"You won't help them?"
"I can't, I tell you," she replied impatiently. "From all I can see, your friend seems a true-hearted man, but I shall have to know him a long time before I can say he is fit for my--for Miss Pethram. But even if I approve it is of no use. Sir Rupert is the person to give his consent."
"Well?"