"It's a kind of thing that might happen to anyone, and no gentleman thinks of mentioning it. He said such things to me that upon my word I don't think I can stop in the house any longer." "Oh, yes, you will," said the wife. "Of course, it is a difference coming from one's father-in-law. It's almost the same as from one's father." "He didn't mean it, Septimus." "I suppose not. If he had, I really couldn't have borne it. He does become very rough sometimes, but I know that at bottom he has a thorough respect for me. It is only that induces me to bear it." Then it was settled between husband and wife that they should remain in their present quarters, and that not a word further should be said at any rate by them about the Phoebe mare. Nor did Sir Thomas say another word about the mare, but he added a note to those already written in the tablets of his memory as to his son-in-law, and the note declared that no hint, let it be ever so broad, would be effectual with Mr. Traffick. The next day was a Sunday, and then another trouble awaited Sir Thomas. At this time it was not customary with Tom to come often to Merle Park. He had his own lodgings in London and his own club, and did not care much for the rural charms of Merle Park. But on this occasion he had condescended to appear, and on the Sunday afternoon informed his father that there was a matter which he desired to discuss with him. "Father," said he, "I am getting confoundedly sick of all this." "Confounded," said Sir Thomas, "is a stupid foolish word, and it means nothing." "There is a sort of comfort in it, Sir," said Tom; "but if it's objectionable I'll drop it." "It is objectionable." "I'll drop it, Sir. But nevertheless I am very sick of it." "What are you sick of, Tom?" "All this affair with my cousin." "Then, if you take my advice, you'll drop that too." "I couldn't do that, father. A word is all very well. A man can drop a word; but a girl is a different sort of thing. One can't drop a girl, even if one tries." "Have you tried, Tom?" "Yes, I have. I've done my best to try. I put it out of my mind for a fortnight and wouldn't think of her. I had a bottle of champagne every day at dinner and then went to the theatre. But it was all of no use. I have set my heart on it and I can't give her up. I'll tell you what I'd like to do. I'd like to give her a diamond necklace." "It wouldn't be the slightest use," said Sir Thomas, shaking his head. "Why not? It's what other men do. I mean it to be something handsome;--about three hundred pounds." "That's a large sum of money for a necklace." "Some of them cost a deal more than that." "And you'd only throw away your money." "If she took it, she'd take me too. If she didn't,--why I should still have the diamonds. I mean to try any way." "Then it's of no use your coming to me."