"That is the best plan," assented Stephen Foster. "I will take your advice."
"Of course you will forbid her to have anything more to do with Vernon, and will see that your wishes are enforced?"
"Decidedly. The man has behaved badly, and I can't believe that he has any honorable intentions. He has been simply amusing himself with the girl."
"That's like him," Nevill said carelessly. "Jack Vernon was always a rake and a roue; though, as I am a friend of his, I ought not to tell you this. But for your daughter's sake—"
"I understand. The warning is timely, and I will see that the girl's eyes are opened."
"And you will give Madge to me if I can win her consent."
"She shall marry the man she loves—the man of her choice," replied Stephen Foster, "provided he is worthy of her. But I won't compel her to do anything against her wishes."
"I am not asking you to do that. I have your permission, then, to visit here as a suitor?"
"Yes; I shall be glad to see you a couple of times a week."
Stephen Foster did not speak very cordially, and his expression was not that of a father who has found a suitable husband for his daughter; but Victor Nevill had gained his point, and was satisfied with what he had so far accomplished. He was a vain man, and possessed an overweening amount of self-confidence, especially where women were concerned.