But he gulped down his wrath, and went on with his speech.

"My meaning, sir, is this;--that I have so great faith in Violet Effingham, that I would receive her acceptance of your hand as the only proof which would be convincing to me of amendment in your mode of life.

If she were to do so, I would join with you in raising money to pay your sister, would make some further sacrifice with reference to an income for you and your wife, and--would make you both welcome to Saulsby,--if you chose to come." The Earl's voice hesitated much and became almost tremulous as he made the last proposition.

And his eyes had fallen away from his son's gaze, and he had bent a little over the table, and was moved.

But he recovered himself at once, and added, with all proper dignity, "If you have anything to say I shall be glad to hear it." "All your offers would be nothing, my lord, if I did not like the girl." "I should not ask you to marry a girl if you did not like her, as you call it." "But as to Miss Effingham, it happens that our wishes jump together.
I have asked her, and she has refused me.