Marsham nodded.
"And you--have known it all along?"
"From the first moment, almost, that I set eyes on that poor child. Does she know? Have you broken it to her?"
The questions hurried on each other's heels. Marsham shook his head, and Sir James, turning away, made a sound that was almost a groan.
"You have proposed to her?"
"Yes."
"And she has accepted you?"
"Yes." Marsham walked to the mantel-piece, and hung over the fire.
Sir James watched him for a moment, twisting his mouth. Then he walked up to his companion and laid a hand on his arm.
"Stick it out, Oliver!" he said, breathing quick. "Stick it out! You'll have to fight--but she's worth it."