"I have waited for your permission to visit her. Do you mean to refuse it?"
"No. If you call to-morrow morning, you will be admitted. Mrs. Lessingham is willing that you should see her niece in private."
"Hearty thanks for that, Mallard! We haven't shaken hands yet, you remember. Forgive me for treating you so ill."
He held out his band cordially, and Mallard could not refuse it, though he would rather have thrust his fingers among red coals than feel that hot pressure.
"I believe I can be grateful," pursued Elgar, in a voice that quivered with transport. "I will do my best to prove it."
"Let us speak of things more to the point. What result do you foresee of this meeting to-morrow!"
The other hesitated.
"I shall ask Cecily when she will marry me."
"You may do so, of course, but the answer cannot depend upon herself alone."
"What delay do you think necessary?"