"I have been thinking about what you tell me of Bess and young Forcus," the father said. "Of course, if there were, by chance, anything in it it would be a very good thing for the girl."
"I am glad you see it in that light at last, William. I have always, of course, known that it would be a good thing."
"What I have been thinking is, perhaps I had better go and see Francis
Forcus about it."
"Reggie's brother? Oh, no, William! I would not do that."
"And why not, pray? You and I can never look at a thing in the same light for two minutes at a time. If I want to rest on my oars you're badgering me to be up and doing. If I begin to see it's time for me to interfere, it's 'Oh, no, William!' There never was your equal for contradiction."
"All the same I should not go to Sir Francis."
"And why not? What's your reason? What is there against it? If his brother, who is dependent on him for the present as if he were his son, is going to marry my daughter, he and I will have to talk it over, I suppose?"
"Yes. But not until Reggie has spoken to you. At present he has not said a word, except to Bessie. I think Reggie should. I think—"
"Never mind what you think. Let's come to facts. Is there or is there not anything serious in this affair?"
"Bessie says there is."