Royal nodded, regretfully, broke the ash from his cigarette with a delicately poised little finger, and regarded Richard questioningly. "That is my misfortune," he said, resignedly; pleasantly aware that Nina's father would never be his match in phrases and self-control.
"I needn't go over all that," Richard said. "I love my daughter; I believe she will make a fine woman. But she isn't anything but a child now!"
"Perhaps you fail to do her justice in that respect," Royal Blondin said. Richard flushed with anger, but felt helpless under the other man's quiet insolence.
"I said I wanted to see you on business, Mr. Blondin," Richard continued, trying to keep impatience and contempt out of his voice, "and we'll keep to business. I don't know what your circumstances are, of course--"
He hesitated, and Blondin looked at him with a faint interest.
"I live simply," he said. "Nina's money will be all her own."
"Nina will have no money, not one five-cent piece, for exactly three years!" Richard said.
Blondin shrugged.
"She is quite willing to try it!" he reminded her father.
"I know she is! But how about you?" Richard asked. "You are not a boy, you have some idea of what marriage means. For three years you must take care of her, dress her, amuse her, satisfy her that she has not made a mistake. Then she does come into her money--yes. But three years is a long time in which to keep her certain that the wisest thing she can do is turn it over to you."