"No," answered Vincent, looking rather shame-faced.
"Ah, well," the banker said, "a freak of generosity is very pardonable in a young man, especially where a young lady is concerned. And you had the means besides. Your father is a rich man, isn't he?"
"Oh, yes, pretty well."
"And you—now forgive my curiosity—it only arises from my interest in Margaret—I dare say you are allowed a sufficient income?"
"I have more money than I need," said Vincent, frankly, "but of course that would not be the case if I married Maisrie Bethune, for then I should have to depend on my own resources. I should have to earn my own living."
"Oh, earn your own living? Well, that is very commendable, in any case. And how do you propose to earn your own living?"
"By writing for the newspapers."
"Have you had any experience?" Maisrie's 'second father' continued.
"Yes, a little; and I have had fair encouragement. Besides, I know one or two important people in the newspaper world."
"And what about your seat in Parliament?"