CHAPTER III.
THE WHIP-HAND "Why isn't Mr.Preston engaged to Sylvia ?" demanded Mrs.Ingleton of her husband as she faced him across the breakfast-table on the following morning.
"He'd like to be," said Ingleton with his face bent over the morning paper.
"Then why isn't he ?" demanded Mrs.Ingleton with asperity.

"He is a rich country gentleman, and he has a position in the County.
What more could you possibly want for her ?" Reluctantly the squire made answer.

"Oh, I'm willing enough.

He's quite a decent chap so far as I know.

I dare say he'd make her quite a good husband if she'd have him.