"And Stafford—?"
He looked down at her with a jolly laugh.
"He must find consolation elsewhere. I thought he would do for you, Miss
Cary."
"Thanks!"
"Don't be ungrateful. Rich, good position, good family, worthy character, a trifle slow, not to say stupid—what more do you want?"
"You talk as though—"
"—As though he were being given away with a pound of tea? Well, so he is to all intents and purposes. One can do anything with an honest, pig-headed man like that if only one takes him the right way. He would suit you clear down to the ground, and if you will help me I will help you. Is that a bargain?"
They were now in sight of their destination, and he pulled his horse into a walk.
"Well, what do you say, Miss Cary?"
He tried to look into her face, but it was turned resolutely away, and all he could see was a grave profile which might have belonged to a much older woman.