"She won't be pleased to see me," said Brendon.
"Oh, I think she will. After Ireland put her in a corner she grew afraid, and now she would like to see the matter settled at any price. When she is your mother-in-law, George, keep her out of your house or there will be trouble."
"You must stand sentinel, sir. She won't come near me then."
"Egad, that's true. She is afraid of me. I hold that stiletto, you see, and I know about her doings at San Remo. The minx!" said Derrington with great vigor. "I wonder that her daughter is so charming."
"So good, you mean," said George, fondly, whereat Derrington gave a sigh.
"Oh, love--love, and again--love," said he. "It seems I am going to have a most sentimental time with you two."
"Be at rest, sir. Neither Dorothy nor I am sentimental. We are too serious for that."
"That's worse. I hate serious lovers."
"Then we will be gay," said George, with a laugh.
"Don't overdo it," replied Derrington, with a kindly smile; "be as you are, both of you, and I shall not complain. Ah, here is Walter! Well, my boy, have you come to see your new cousin?"