There was silence for a few moments. Winn puffed at his cigar, his eyes idly following the rings of smoke. From the other side of the room the Earl was subjecting him to a close and critical observation. He had no son of his own; as he noted Winn's splendid proportions, the look of indomitable resolution in his face, he felt that had he been blessed with one, he would have wished him to be like this man.
Then he thought of his daughter, Dorothy. He was not blind, and had been quick to observe the state of her feelings. He loved his daughter, he liked Winn. He had given the matter his close consideration, and had arrived at a decision. It was this decision which prompted him to speak now. He intended to hint to Winn that his engagement with Lady Dorothy would be entirely to his satisfaction.
"You say you will be returning to Kafanga in September?" he began.
Winn roused himself from his reverie.
"That was my intention," he replied; "but I have something to accomplish first, something——" He paused.
The Earl had his keen eyes fixed on him.
"Forgive me, Winn," he said, quietly, "I am not asking out of sheer curiosity, but the 'something'—is it a question of marriage?"
Winn looked straight across at the Earl.
"Yes," he said, simply.
The Earl rose from his seat and stood with his back to the mantelpiece.