He resumed his position in front of the fire. Mr. Haliburton sat on an oak table and swung his legs.
"Now, Marrable—" began the latter briskly.
Hughie interrupted him.
"Mr. Haliburton," he said, "you heard my intimation to Miss Gaymer just now?"
"I did," said Mr. Haliburton.
"Well, I should like to repeat it to you. The marriage which has been arranged—by you—will not take place. That's all."
"That," replied Mr. Haliburton easily, "is a matter for Joan and myself—"
"We will refer to my ward as Miss Gaymer for the rest of this interview," said Hughie stiffly.
"Certainly. To resume. You see, Marrable, although you were appointed Miss Gaymer's guardian by the eccentric old gentleman who bears the same name as yourself, your authority does not last for ever. I understand that the lady will shortly become her own mistress."
"She will."