But Robinson said the spot would answer our purpose well. He was moody and preoccupied; he showed no interest in anything. Then, when I had grown weary of trying to make him talk, he suddenly began on a painful subject. “Primrose was bitterly disappointed not to come. She always counts the days and hours between your visits. I won’t disguise the fact, Tarver; she’s grown to be very fond of you.” What could I say? While I was reflecting he proceeded: “She’d make a grand wife. Her interests are at my heart too. It’s a great opportunity. Why don’t you take your luck and thank your stars for it?” I here broke into a perspiration. “My dear Robinson,” I said, “you must really forgive me, but these affairs cannot be arranged like a transaction on ’Change.” “She loves you,” said Robinson. “Her heart has gone out to you.” “But, my dear fellow, love wants two hearts to beat as one.” “Blessed if I know how anybody can help loving her,” said Robinson. “You see, no man has the power to direct another’s feelings in the matter,” I explained. Then he made a most extraordinary remark. “Well, it’s no good beating about the bush, Tarver, so I’ll be frank. My sister wants to marry you; I want you to marry her and make her a home----” “And let you be free of her?” I interrupted hotly. He felt the thrust and winced, but proceeded: “I wish you to marry her. What is more, I insist upon it. You _shall_ marry her.” I lack pluck as a rule, but a worm will turn at times. I said I would be eternally lost if I did. “Bad language won’t help you,” he continued quietly. “Listen and judge for yourself if I threaten without power. You will recollect that I did not leave Thibet until I came of age. For one-and-twenty years I studied the wisdom of the land. Briefly, a Mahatma, whose pretensions and learning it would be idle to question, took a fancy to me, and imparted not a little of his knowledge on absurdly easy terms. I never counted to employ it. Self-control, indeed, was the first great lesson he taught me. But all information is useful. I wish you to marry my sister. Will you or will you not?” I thought he was merely trying to frighten me, so dared him to do his worst. I purposely expressed myself with some severity. “Don’t think I fear your tomfoolery,” I said. “If you’re a Mahatma, you ought to be locked up with all the other wild beasts. That for you! You won’t alarm me, I promise you!” Here I snapped my thumb and finger under his nose.