I know, or at least I fear, that
I do not occupy the place in her feelings that I should wish to, but I
look to time to change this; at any rate I am willing to take my
chance. As regards money, I repeat the offer which I have already
made."
"There, I should not say too much about that," broke in the Squire
impatiently.
"Oh, why not?" said Ida, in bitter sarcasm. "Mr. Cossey knows it is a
good argument. I presume, Mr. Cossey, that as a preliminary to the
renewal of our engagement, the persecution of my father which is being
carried on by your lawyers will cease?"
"Absolutely."
"And if the engagement is not renewed the money will of course be
called in?"
"My lawyers advise that it should be," he answered sullenly; "but see
here, Ida, you may make your own terms about money. Marriage, after
all, is very much a matter of bargaining, and I am not going to stand
out about the price."
"You are really most generous," went on Ida in the same bitter tone,
the irony of which made her father wince, for he understood her mood
better than did her lover. "I only regret that I cannot appreciate
such generosity more than I do. But it is at least in my power to give
you the return which you deserve. So I can no longer hesitate, but
once and for all----"
She stopped dead, and stared at the glass door as though she saw a
ghost.
Pages:
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484