The dinner that night at Belgrave Square did not serve to put the Consul at his ease. True, he sat by Marion, but no word was spoken of what had passed that afternoon, and he could not help feeling that he was in an anomalous position. He had on his company manners, and was not at his best in consequence. He felt he was being watched and would be criticised in the drawing-room after dinner, which made him nervous. Sir Peter had several married daughters, one of whom was present, and Allingford wondered how their husbands had behaved under similar circumstances. He gave Lady Steele, at whose right he sat, ample opportunity to question him concerning his family history and future plans and prospects--a chance of which she was not slow to avail herself. When the ladies had departed and had left the two gentlemen to their coffee and cigars, Sir Peter lost no time in opening the question, and said, somewhat bluntly: "So I hear that you wish to marry my daughter." The Consul signified that such was the case. "I'm sure I don't know why," resumed her father, with true British candour. "I become so used to my children that I sometimes wonder what other people can see in them. Marion is a good little girl, however, I'll say that for her--a good little girl and not extravagant." Sir Peter's manner was reassuring, and Allingford hastened to say that he was sensible of the great honour Miss Steele had done him in considering his suit, and that he should strive to prove himself worthy of her. "I don't doubt it, my dear fellow, I don't doubt it." And the baronet paused, smiling so amiably that the Consul was disconcerted, and began to fear an unpleasant surprise. "I trust," he returned, "that you are not averse to me as a son-in-law?" "Personally much the reverse; but I always ask the man who comes to me as you have done one question, and on his answer I base my approval or disapproval of his suit." "And that question is?" "Can you support a wife, Mr. Allingford?" "As a gentleman I could not have asked her hand if such were not the case." "Ah," replied Sir Peter, "that is quite right." "As for my position----" continued the young man. "You hold a public office in the service of your country. I consider that sufficient guarantee of your position, both moral and social." Allingford, who knew something of American practical politics, thought this by no means followed, but forbore to say so, and Sir Peter continued: "Have you any family?" "No relations in the world except my younger brother, Dick, who manages the property at home, while I play at politics abroad." "I see," said his host. "One question more and I have done. I dislike talking business after dinner--it should be left to the lawyers; but, seeing that you are an American and do not understand such things, I thought----" The Consul stopped him by a gesture. "You are referring to the settlements, Sir Peter," he said. "Set your mind at rest on that score. I'll do the proper thing."