“I really don’t know. I expect if I had your entire affection there would not be any need to make any minor claims, unless it were for increased pin-money; and you have such ridiculous notions upon that subject I am only afraid of being too rich.” “Then we have settled that question. How about the other?” “What other?” she asked innocently. “Don’t be foolish, child. You seem to take a pleasure in tormenting me.” Lady Gwendolyn hung down her head, and became as red as a rose. She understood now. “But I really don’t think there is any such great hurry, Lawrence,” she said, still disposed to capitulate. “And I really think I have sufficiently proved that there is something to hurry about,” was the cool reply. Her arguments failing to convince, Lady Gwendolyn took refuge in a pout. This is a woman’s last refuge when she finds her position is weak, and is a sure index of faltering resolution. “You are very unreasonable, Lawrence, and abominably arbitrary. Because you want a thing it must needs be done.” “If the thing be right.” “But your wishing it seems to make it right, in your own eyes,” she answered petulantly. “You are entirely mistaken there, Gwen. I love you so tenderly that if I wished anything that would harm you in your reputation, your self-respect, in any way, in fact, I would bite my tongue in twain before I would advocate it by a single word. But you ought to marry before people find out that you have been here with me. Don’t you understand?” “I thought nothing could be said, as this is a hotel----” “I am not sure that does not aggravate the case, by rendering it more conspicuous.” “You turn and twist every argument I bring forward so as to make it serve your cause,” she said resentfully. “It is no use my trying to have an opinion of my own.” “That is just what I am trying to persuade you, Gwen,” he said, drawing her to him in spite of her struggles. “You shall have your own way as much as is good for you after we are married; but now I want mine. Don’t be so impracticable, darling,” he added, in his coaxing voice. “You know what I demand is ‘just, expedient, and right.’” “I know it is very tiresome to be hurried,” she said, by way of showing that she had still a few objections in reserve. “But you sha’n’t be hurried, dearest. Listen to my program. This evening you will go to Mrs. Venable, in Park Lane.” “How do you know she will receive me?” “I have already asked her the question, and received a satisfactory reply,” said Colonel Dacre quietly. “I never let the grass grow under my feet when I have work to do that should be done quickly.” “But what made you think of Mrs. Venable?” “For two or three reasons. As your former governess I thought she would be a suitable person. And then I knew you liked her, and would prefer to be married from her house.”