“That is my name. It is familiar to you. My sister,” said Bailey bitterly, “has made it so.”
“Won’t you sit down?” said Kirk.
“No, thank you. I will not detain you long, Mr. Winfield.”
“My dear fellow! There’s no hurry. Will you have a cigarette?”
“No, thank you.”
Kirk was puzzled by his visitor’s manner. So, unseen in the shadows of the gallery, was Steve.
“I can say what I wish to say in two words, Mr. Winfield,” said Bailey. “This marriage is quite out of the question.”
“Eh?”
“My father would naturally never consent to it. As soon as he hears of what has happened he will forbid it absolutely. Kindly dismiss from your mind entirely the idea that my sister will ever be permitted to marry you, Mr. Winfield.”
Steve, in the gallery, with difficulty suppressed a whoop of surprise. Kirk laughed ruefully.