'Well, you are bound to renew your proposal.'
'I do not think so, nor shall I again, unless some change comes over her.'
'If I exert my authority as guardian and trustee——'
'She may run away. Olive is a proud and restless girl with a defiant spirit, though she has a very affectionate heart.'
'But you cannot expect that she is to propose to you.'
'I do love her, father—love her dearly; but fear that she views me too much as a brother to love me otherwise.'
'This is rank nonsense. Think of your separations, and of your last—one well nigh seven years—with the Black Watch.'
'But might it not be the case that she may have a penchant for some one else?'
'For whom?' asked Lord Aberfeldie, angrily.
'Well, say for your friend Mr. Holcroft.'