"With me?"
"Yes. I could marry Anthony, as I say, and let you go alone. But I love you too well to see you ruin yourself. I shall take a house in London, and we will live there together. Then I shall be able to look after you."
Ferdy rose, pale with anger. "And I am to be tied to your apron-strings all my life."
"God forbid, as I have my own life to look after. Even for love, one should not sacrifice one's whole life--that is, the kind of love, the sisterly affection which I have for you. My love for Anthony is different. I have no right to sacrifice him to you. But when you are married to Prudence, my task will be ended. She will look after you--she will take care of you, and I can then marry and be happy, knowing that you are safe."
"And suppose I object to this scheme you have, of taking a London house?" asked Ferdy, savagely. "In that case I'll stop your allowance."
"You can't--you daren't."
"I can and I dare. I have complete power. There is only one other way. If you will marry Prudence in a month or so, I'll allow you one thousand a year. I can do that as guardian, although you will not come in for your full income for two years."
"I'm sure I'd like to marry Prudence," said Ferdy, uneasily.
"You are engaged to her."
"Yes, but Mr. Clarke has been objecting."