The next day Thorpe called at the Randolphs'. The man, Cochrane, who, himself, looked yellow and haggard, informed him that the ladies were indisposed with severe colds. Thorpe went home and wrote Nina a letter, making no allusion to the performance at the Mission, but insisting that she recognise his rights, and let him know when he could see her and come to a definite understanding. A week passed without a reply. Then Thorpe, tormented by every doubt and fear which can assail a lover, called again. The ladies were still indisposed. It was Sunday. Thorpe demanded to see Mr. Randolph, and was shown into the library. Mr. Randolph entered in a few moments, and did not greet Thorpe with his customary warmth. There were black circles about his eyes. His cheeks looked thinner and his hand trembled. "Have you been ill, too?" asked Thorpe, wondering if South Park were a healthy locality. "No; not ill. I have been much harassed--business." "Nothing serious, I hope." "It will right in time--but--in a new city--and with no telegraphic communication with the rest of the world--nor quick postal service--there is much to impede business and try the patience." Thorpe was a man of quick intuitions. He knew that Mr. Randolph was lying. However, that was not his business. He rose and stood before the fire, nervously flicking his trousers with his riding-whip. "Has it occurred to you that I love your daughter?" he asked, abruptly. "Or--perhaps--she has told you?" "She has not spoken to me on the subject; but I inferred as much." "I wish, of course, to marry her. You know little about me. My bankers--and Hastings--will tell you that I am well able to take care of your daughter. In fact, I am a fairly rich man. This sort of thing has to be said, I suppose--" "I have not misunderstood your motives. I misjudge few men; I have lived here too long." "Oh--thanks. Then you have no objection to raise?" "No; I have none." "Your daughter loves me." Thorpe had detected a slight accent on the pronoun. "I am sure of that." "Do you mean that Mrs. Randolph might object?" "She would not be consulted." Thorpe shifted his position uneasily. The hardest part was to come. "Nina has intimated to me," he said, haltingly, "that there is a--some mysterious reason which would prevent her marrying. I have utterly disregarded that reason, and shall continue to do so. I purpose to marry her, and I hope you will--will you?--help me." Mr. Randolph leaned forward and twisted his nervous pale hands together. It was at least three minutes before he spoke, and by that time Thorpe's ear-drums were pounding. "I must leave it to her," he said, "utterly to her. That is a question which only she can decide--and you. Of course she will tell you--she is too honest not to; but I am afraid she will stave it off as long as possible. I cannot tell you; it would not be just to her." "But you will do nothing to dissuade her?"