“Let me tell you something in confidence, then. I do not like Major Sampayo. Of course in business matters we do not allow such personal considerations to determine our actions, although they may influence us. I would much rather work with such a man as yourself for instance. But as his name is known to those behind me, of course any decision I may make and my reason for it might reach him.” His alarm at this was obvious. “I--I am afraid I cannot say anything.” “Of course as your son-in-law, his success would benefit you. An indirect benefit, perhaps, but still a benefit.” “Our conversation has taken a very unexpected turn, Mr. Donnington. I was under the impression you desired my influence in any event.” “It may be a question between yours or his,” I said, pressing him further into the corner. “That is why I have spoken as I have.” “I--I really cannot say anything. You must decide for yourself. I should be delighted to be associated with you, but--but----” he shook his head and paused. “But you are afraid of Sampayo?” I finished for him. “Mr. Donnington!” he exclaimed with no little indignation. “Don’t take offence, please, at least until you have heard me out. Will you give me your word of honour not to speak of what I wish to tell you?” “Yes, certainly.” “In coming to Lisbon I had another object besides these concessions. I met your daughter in Paris, and my disappointment was intense when I found that she was betrothed to Major Sampayo. I had hoped that in all my affairs I should have enjoyed the advantage of your help--as that of a relative by marriage.” He tossed up his hands and stared at me in speechless surprise. “Since I have been here--you must pardon my speaking very freely--it has come to my knowledge that Sampayo has forced himself upon you by reason of his knowledge of certain matters.” “My dear Mr. Donnington----” He could get no further, and jumped up from his chair and began to pace the room in extreme agitation. “My reason for speaking in this way is to ask you one very vital question. If Major Sampayo were to relinquish his claims to your daughter’s hand, would you be willing to honour me by allowing me to plead my own cause with her?” “I should be only too----” he cried impulsively but checked himself in the middle of the sentence, and shook his head again. “It is out of the question; out of the question.” “I am answered, on the one point. Now, will you go a step further and tell me why you deem it out of the question?” “I really cannot discuss the matter. I really cannot,” he said nervously. “You must excuse me.” “I cannot press you, of course. But will you think it over and let me see you again?” “I am afraid I must say it would be quite useless, Mr. Donnington.”