Chapter Seventeen.
Thinking Alike.
Pixie’s prophecy that her relatives would “crow” on hearing Mr Glynn’s ultimatum, was fulfilled in spirit, if not in letter.
Geoffrey and Joan Hilliard assumed their most staid and dignified airs for the important interview, referred to “my sister Patricia” with a deference worthy of a royal princess, and would have Stanor’s guardian to understand that the man was not born who was worthy to be her spouse; all the same, as mortal young men went, they had nothing to say against Stanor Vaughan, and if time proved him to be in earnest, both in love and work, they would be graciously pleased to welcome him into the family. Then, the business part of the interview being ended, the ambassador was invited to stay to lunch, and Esmeralda swept from the room, leaving the two men to a less formal colloquy over their cigarettes.
“It’s a comfort to find that we think alike on this matter,” began Geoffrey, holding out a match for his guest’s benefit. “I have felt rather guilty about it, for Pixie was left too much to herself during our little fellow’s illness. She was in trouble herself, poor little soul, and, being lonely, was no doubt unduly susceptible to sympathy. Neither my wife nor I suspected any attachment before the night of the boy’s accident, and if things had gone on in a normal way I doubt if the engagement would have come off. Pixie is very young; we have hardly accustomed ourselves to the idea that she is grown-up. This is the first visit she had paid to us by herself, so that we feel responsible.”
“You are uncertain of her feelings? I had the same doubt myself, but when I said as much Miss O’Shaughnessy was indignant. She insists that she does love the boy.”
Geoffrey Hilliard laughed.
“It would be difficult to find the person whom Pixie does not love. He is handsome, and he was kind to her when she was lonely. She loves him as she loves a dozen other friends. But—”