"Are you mad, sir?" asked Richard, after a pause.
"Softly, softly, Dick."
Richard lifted his towering form to its full height. Every feeling within him, every sense of reason rebelled against the notion of the measure. A few sharp words ensued, and Richard went into a swearing fit.
"I knew it would be so; he was always hot and hasty," thought the justice to himself. "What behaviour do you call this?" he asked aloud. "Perhaps if you'll hear what I have to say you may cool down. Do you suppose I should be intending to marry for my own gratification?"
"I don't suppose you'd be marrying for that of anybody else," said the undaunted Richard.
"It is for the sake of Mary Anne. Some one must be here with her, and a wife will be less--less risk than a crafty, inquisitive governess."
"For the sake of Mary Anne!" ironically retorted Richard. "Send Mary Anne to school."
"I did send her; and she cane back again."
"I'd keep her there with cords. I said so at the time."
"Unfortunately she won't be kept. She has a touch of the Thornycroft will, Dick."