“You're talking rank immorality,” he said almost good-humouredly.
Mr. Pendyce rose.
“Marry her!” he cried. “What on earth—that's worse than all—the very thing we're trying to prevent! We've been here, father and son—father and son—for generations!”
“All the more shame,” burst out Gregory, “if you can't stand by a woman at the end of them——!”
Mr. Paramor made a gesture of reproof.
“There's moderation in all things,” he said. “Are you sure that Mrs. Bellew requires protection? If you are right, I agree; but are you right?”
“I will answer for it,” said Gregory.
Mr. Paramor paused a full minute with his head resting on his hand.
“I am sorry,” he said at last, “I must trust to my own judgment.”
The Squire looked up.