"Well, he regrets that he didn't let you have the money, although you came in an unbusiness-like way."
"Yes, I did. And pretending to be a lawyer, I ought to have known better. I don't blame him for that."
"What do you blame him for, then?"
"For wanting his daughter to be your wife."
Sawyer jerked his hand as if something had bitten him. "But what right have you to blame him for that? It was arranged long before you ever saw me, and besides what right have you, a stranger, to interfere in his affairs?"
"That's very well put, Mr. Sawyer, but there are some affairs that rise above family and appeal to humanity. You requested me to be cool and deliberate, and you will pardon me, I hope, if I am cooler than you expected, and more considerate than you desire. It would be a crime to attempt to merge that young woman's life into yours."
"I know you have a pretty low estimate of me, but I won't resent it. We are to be cool."
"And considerate," said Lyman, with a slight bow.
"Yes, sir; and considerate. But I don't see where the crime would come in. My family is as good as hers."
"That may be. I am not looking at her family, but at her. She was spoiled, it is true, but she is developing into the highest type of American womanhood."