"Yes, they will, if they be started talking. I met Ann Slocombe to Lower Town three days agone and she congratulated me on my engagement to you." "Who the devil's Ann Slocombe?" "She's a woman very much like other women. And I told her it was stuff and nonsense, and far ways from anything that had happened, or was going to happen." "No need to have said that, I hope. 'Tis the curious case of----" "'Tis the curious case of talking before you know," said Melinda tartly. "What would you have thought if I'd told people you'd gone down to Brixham, to offer yourself to a woman there?" "God's my judge I----" Mr. Stockman broke off. "This is very ill-convenient, Melinda, and quite out of tune with me and the day, and what's in my mind. If I've spoke of you with great affection to one or two tried friends--friends now no more--then I can only ax you to overlook their freedom of speech. I've been in a very awkward position for a long time, and made of justice as you are, you must see it. For look how things fell out. First, just as I was coming to the great deed and going to ax you to be mistress of Falcon Farm, there happened your dear father's grievous illness and his death. Well, I couldn't jump at you with my heart in my hand, while you was crying your eyes out and feeling your fearful loss. And then, just as the clouds were lifting and the way clear, what happened? My misguided girl takes this false step. And that cut two ways. First there was the disaster itself, and then, in a flash, I saw that if I came to you on top of it, enemies--not you, yourself, I well knew that--enemies would be bitter quick to say I was doing it from no honour and respect to you, but to suit my own convenience, because Susan was off. So I held away, because I saw that you'd be put in a false position, with your inclination--so I hope--on one side, and your proper woman's pride on the other. And now I see what a quandary it was, and how I've let you in for these painful adventures--all from too much nice feeling, seemingly." "You can make a case, of course, but----"