He could wait no longer. He went on to the veranda and lit a cigar. He saw Mrs. Walford come out, and, throwing the cigar away, rose to meet her. She was alone. Where was Cynthia? Seeking him? or was her absence designed? "I hope our excursion hasn't tired you, Mrs. Walford?" "Oh dear no!" she assured him. She hesitated, but her manner was blithesome. His courage mounted. "Shall we take a turn?" she suggested. "Mrs. Walford, your daughter has told you what I ... of our conversation this afternoon, perhaps? I haven't many pretensions, but I'm devoted to her, and _she_ is good enough to care a little for me. Will you give her to me and let me spend my life in making her happy?" She made a gesture of sudden artlessness. "I was perfectly astonished!" she exclaimed. "To tell you the truth, Mr. Kent, I was perfectly astonished when Cynthia spoke to me. I hadn't an idea of it. I--er--I don't know whether I'm particularly obtuse in these affairs--hee, hee, hee!--but I hadn't a suspicion!" "But you don't refuse?" he begged. "You don't disapprove?" She waved her hands afresh, and went on jerkily, with a wide, fixed smile: "I never was more astounded in my life. Of course, I--er--from what we've seen of you ... most desirable--most desirable in many ways. At the same time--er--Cynthia's a delicate girl; she has always been used to every luxury. So few young men are really in a position to justify their marrying." "_My_ position is this," he said. "I've my profession, and a little money--not much; a thousand pounds, left me by a relative last year. With a thousand pounds behind us, I reckon that my profession would certainly enable us to live comfortably till I could support a wife by my pen alone." Her jaw dropped. He felt it before he turned, and shivered. "I'm afraid you don't think it very excellent?" he murmured. She was breathing agitatedly. "It ... I must say--er--I fear her father would never sanction----Oh no; I am sure! It's out of the question." "A man may keep a wife on less without her suffering, Mrs. Walford. My God! if I thought that Cynthia would ever know privation or distress, do you suppose I would----" "A wife!" she said, "a wife! My dear Mr. Kent, a man must be prepared to provide for a family as well. Have you--er--any expectations?" "I expect to succeed," said Kent; "I've the right to expect it. No others." "May I ask how much your profession brings you in?" "I sold my novel for a hundred pounds," he answered. "It was my first," he added, as he heard her gasp, "it was my first!... Mrs. Walford, I love her! At least think it over. Let me speak to her again, let me _ask_ her if she is afraid. Don't refuse to consider!"