If she declines my offer there is an end of the matter.

If she accepts me, then it is quite proper that all your plans should fall to the ground.

She is the principal in the affair, and it is due to her and due to me that she should make the decision in this case." Mr Brandon had not quite so many teeth as his younger companion, but the very fair number which remained with him were set together quite as firmly as those of Lawrence had been.

He remarked, speaking very distinctly but without any show of emotion: "I see, sir, that it is quite impossible for us to think alike on this subject, and there is, therefore, nothing left for me to do but to ask you--and I assure you, sir, that the request is as destitute of any intention of discourtesy as if it were based upon the presence of sickness or family affliction--that you will not visit my house at present." Lawrence rose to his feet with a good deal of color in his face.

"That settles the matter for the present," he said.