"You know what I mean, I’m simply wondering what effect this particular business has had upon your character. Don’t frown! We must admit that his business hasn’t improved poor father. And as for Mr. Tomlin——" Jim said slowly: "What do you mean exactly by business affecting character?" She paused to consider. Jim kissed her. Perhaps it was significant that she did not return his kiss, being absorbed in her quest for the right word. She continued slowly: "I hoped you would guess what I meant. Of course, poor father is honest. I have always been so proud of that. It would break my heart if he were like that horrid Mr. Tomlin, but he does care too much for what mother calls sticks and stones. They have come between him and her; and they have come between him and me. I have never really known how much he loved me. And now this is going to be a test, because if he does love me really and truly he will put my happiness before his ambition, won’t he?" He kissed her again, and once more she let him do it, passively, gazing, so to speak, into his mind rather than his heart. Jim spoke curtly. "Make up your mind to this, Posy. There will be a big row. It’s inevitable." Posy laughed. "How like a man! Big rows are never inevitable. And daddy is an awful old fuss-pot, but his bark is much worse than his bite. When he barks at me I laugh inside. Now, Jim, are you necessary to father?" "Necessary? Perhaps I am more necessary than he thinks, because I know too much to be treated badly. He would hardly dare to sack me." "Not dare!" "I mean that I have a sort of ’pull’ with him. And I’m a hard worker, and a first-class cabinet-maker. When the time comes for him to take a partner he couldn’t find a better man than I am." Posy laughed. "Jim, I declare you have caught father’s habit of swanking." "Swank, or no swank, I think I can make terms with your father, and the time has come to do it." "I’d sooner things went on as they are for the present." "Why?" "Well, we haven’t seen very much of each other as yet. Why, we hardly know each other." "I have reasons, dearest, for wishing to tackle your father as soon as possible." "What reasons?" She spoke coaxingly, laying her cheek close to his. "I must keep them to myself for the present. You trust me?" "Oh, yes, but I’m horribly curious! Are you cross?" "No, darling, I’m impatient. I want you to be wholly mine." He laid his lips upon hers, and felt a slight pressure in return. When he pressed her to him, she thrilled. He kissed her ear, as he whispered: "Do you ever think of what it will be like when you are mine?" "Ye-es." "Sit on my lap, you darling!" He half-pushed her off the arm of the chair. She stood up, hesitating, the colour ebbing and flowing in her cheeks. "I have never done that." He held out both hands. "Isn’t it time to begin? Is your dear little heart beating?"