"From what you have observed, do you think that my proposal will be favourably received?" asked Jefferson, carelessly.
"I can offer no opinion," said Mr Maybury.
"I may at least take it that, if she accepts me, you are willing to regard me as a prospective son-in-law?"
"Perfectly willing," was the reply.
"Thank you. Now, as to this fellow Mortimer----"
"I beg your pardon. What has Mr Mortimer to do with the matter?"
"If," said Jefferson, "I become engaged to your daughter, Mr Maybury, I shall have a decided objection to your allowing such a man as Mortimer to remain under the same roof as my fiancée."
Mr Maybury took a thoughtful pull at his cigar. The well-to-do young stockbroker looked keenly at the ruined merchant. It was to the latter's advantage to defer to the former. Was he not, as his wife remarked, indebted to this man for his daily bread?
Mr Maybury laid down his cigar and sipped his champagne, and meantime such reflections as these coursed through his brain. He was a very poor man, 'tis true, but he had always prided himself on being a just one. Personally, he had perceived no great harm in "this fellow Mortimer." Why, therefore, should he turn him out of his house?
"Well?" inquired the young stockbroker, curtly.