“Impossible?”
“Fate has been very hard to me, my lord, and the burden has been too heavy at times to bear; but I cannot do this thing. I love my child too well.”
They stood gazing out to sea for some minutes, and only the rushing of the wind was heard, or the wailing cry of the gulls, but at last Lord Carboro’ spoke.
“Denville, I did not know you,” he said gravely. “I thought I had to deal with a different man; but don’t let us be hasty. As to the commission, it is your boy’s, and may he deserve it. As to what we have said, let us wait. Don’t refuse me absolutely, and don’t say a word to Miss Denville. Give me leave to visit at your house, and let matters slide for a few months. Things may shape themselves so that you may change your mind; do you consent to this?”
“It would be like buoying your lordship up with false hopes.”
“That is my look-out, sir; do you consent?”
“I am your lordship’s obedient, humble servant.”
“You are the man I offer to make my father-in-law? Answer me, sir, like a man.”
“I consent.”
“That’s better. Denville, your hand. In future I shall know you as the man I have seen to-day. I never respected you one half so much before.”