'Dowton's position is made,' said the colonel.
'Exactly,' said Dick, 'and Angus is making his for himself. Whatever other distinction we draw between them is a selfish one, and I question if it does us much credit.'
'I have no doubt,' said the colonel, 'that Mary's pride will make her see this matter as I do.'
'It will at least make her sacrifice herself for our pride, if you insist on that.'
Mary's father loved her as he had loved her mother, though he liked to have his own way with both of them. His voice broke a little as he answered Dick.
'You have a poor opinion of your father, my boy,' he said. 'I think I would endure a good deal if Mary were to be the happier for it.'
Dick felt a little ashamed of himself.
'Whatever I may say,' he answered, 'I have at least acted much as you would have done yourself. Forgive me, father.'
The colonel looked up with a wan smile.
'Let us talk of your affairs rather, Richard,' he said. 'I have at least nothing to say against Miss Meredith.'