‘She is better, I hope?’ gasped De Courcelles.
‘She is better, and, I thank God, out of danger,’ replied Mr Courtney, looking him steadfastly in the face, ‘and in a few days we hope to have her at the White House again. Lizzie Fellows, who has been like a sister to her, is nursing her with the greatest care. She is a most estimable young woman, clever, courageous, and thoroughly honest—good all round, in fact, and will prove a treasure to any man who is fortunate enough to win her. By the way, De Courcelles, I have heard a rumour that you are engaged to be married to Miss Fellows. Is it true?’
The overseer stammered still more.
‘Yes—no—that is to say, sir, there has been some idea of such a thing between us, but nothing is definitely settled.’
Mr Courtney regarded the young man sternly.
‘Some idea! Do you mean to tell me that you would presume to trifle with the girl, and hold out a prospect you have no intention of fulfilling? Do you forget that she is the daughter of one of my oldest friends, and second only in my affections to my own child? Dr Fellows is not the man to permit any one to play fast and loose with his daughter, and I should be as ready as himself to take up the cudgels in her behalf.’
‘Indeed, sir, there is no necessity for such warmth on your part. You are judging me without a hearing. Lizzie and I perfectly understand each other. We are the best of friends, but at present I cannot see any prospect of our being more.’
‘You mean to say that your salary is not sufficient to keep a wife upon?’
‘I have never looked on it in that light, Mr Courtney. Miss Fellows is devoted to her father and her profession, and we have hardly spoken of the time when she will be called upon to leave them.’
‘Then you ought to have done so, Monsieur de Courcelles. A man has no right to make love to a girl unless he can talk of marriage to her. Now I have more than an ordinary interest in Liz Fellows, and if it is for her happiness to marry you, I am ready to further your plans. You need not wish to bring your wife to a prettier home than the one you now occupy; but I will engage to furnish it afresh, and double your present salary on the day you marry her. Will that bring matters between you to a crisis?’