"Have you reasoned with him?"
"Reasoned? Yes."
"What did he say?"
"Prepare to be amused. He said that 'unfortunately, the lady did not love him'!"
"What? Then there is no danger?"
"Do you mean to say that it takes you in? You may be sure her 'reluctance' is policy, she thinks it wise to disguise her eagerness to hook him. He told me plainly that he would not rest till he had won her. It is a nice position! The honour of the family is safe only till this adventuress consents, consents to accept his hand! What can I do? I can retard the marriage by refusing my permission, but I cannot prevent it, if he summons me…. Of course, if I could arrange matters with her, I would do it like a shot—at any price!"
"Who is she?"
"A nobody; he tells me she is quite obscure, I don't suppose you have ever heard of her. But I thought you might make inquiries for me, that you might ascertain whether she is the sort of woman we could settle with?"
"I will do all I can, you may depend. Where is she—in Paris?"
"Yes, just now."