“Ah! But this isn’t altogether that. He will have to fight not so much against you and me, but against himself. Really we are asking him to change his character, his point of view. It is certain that he will definitely refuse to sanction this engagement. And you are dependent on him. Unless I am utterly mistaken he will bring pressure to bear. Mr. Hamlin will put the same pressure upon Joyce. This is going to be harder upon her, poor dear, than you, because it will be made plain that marriage with you may be so disastrous to you from every material side.” Lionel groaned. Lady Pomfret poured a little balm into his wounds. “But I will say this. I rejoice, with all my heart, that it is Joyce, not Margot, whom you love. I feared that you might be tempted to take the easy way. You might have been allured by her wit and charm. I am confident that her money did not weigh with you.” “Thank you, mother.” “For the rest, we must be patient with your dear father. You tell me that Margot knows, that she was nice to you. Perhaps, for a few hours, you had better leave your father to me. You ought to see Joyce at once.” “Yes, yes.” “And tell her father frankly the exact position. He will have to fight _his_ pride.” They talked on till the stable-clock struck seven. A minute later the Squire’s heavy step was heard in the corridor. He entered the room. Probably he expected to find mother and son together. And it says much for his courtesy and breeding that at such a moment he remembered what was due to his wife. He said heavily: “Well, Mary, I suppose that Lionel has told you his story?” “Yes.” “He gave me no time to answer him. But I have answered the man whom he asked to act as go-between. Ben pleaded his case, pleaded it better than Lionel could have done. Ben will deliver my answer before he goes.” Lady Pomfret gasped. “Geoffrey! Is Ben going?” “Yes.” “After fifty years——!” “We reached the breaking-point.” He ignored his son entirely. Lionel had wit enough to remain silent. Indeed, the last blow had stunned him, as it had stunned Lady Pomfret. The Squire continued in the same heavy voice: “Our guest leaves to-morrow. I take it that we can play our parts at dinner as usual. When Margot has gone, this matter can be taken up again.” Lady Pomfret inclined her head. The Squire left the room. “See Ben at once,” said Lady Pomfret. Her voice trembled; her eyes were wet, as she added hastily, “Tell the dear fellow that I am grieved beyond expression, that I—I count upon his patience and forbearance.” “All that and more, mother. My God! that my happiness should be bought at such a cruel price.” Lady Pomfret answered firmly: “I should reckon no price too great for that, but your happiness is not bought—yet. Leave me alone, my dearest, for a few minutes.” He kissed her tenderly and went.