"My dear, he wants to marry her. Didn't she tell you?" Elsbeth had the satisfaction of seeing Clare look startled. "Now I was sure Alwynne had confided the matter to you. Hasn't she just been here? That is really why I came. I was so afraid that you, with the best of motives, of course, might incline her to refuse him. And you know, Miss Hartill, she mustn't. The very man for Alwynne? He suits her in every way. Devoted to her, of course, but not in the least weak with her, and you know I always say that Alwynne needs a firm hand. And between ourselves, though I am the last person to consider such a thing, he is an extremely good match. I can't tell you, Miss Hartill, the joy it was to me, the engagement. I had been anxious--I quite foresaw that Alwynne would be difficult, though I am convinced she is attached to him--underneath, you know. So I made up my mind to come to you. I said to myself: 'I am sure--I am quite sure--Miss Hartill would not misunderstand the situation. I am quite sure Miss Hartill would not intend to stand in the child's light. She is far too fond of Alwynne to allow her personal feelings----' After all, feminine friendship is all very well, very delightful, of course, and I am only too sensible of your goodness to Alwynne--and taking her to Italy too--but when it is a question of Marriage--oh, Miss Hartill, surely you see what I mean?" Clare frowned. "I think so. The gard----This Mr. Lumpkin----" "Lumsden." "Of course. I was confusing him----Mr. Lumsden has proposed to Alwynne. She has refused him, and you now wish for my help in coercing her into an apparently distasteful engagement?" "Oh no, Miss Hartill! No question of coercion. I think there is no possible doubt that she is fond of him, and if it were not for you----But Alwynne is so quixotic." Clare lifted her eyebrows, politely blank. "Oh, Miss Hartill--why beat about the bush? You know your influence with Alwynne. It is very difficult for me to talk to you. Please believe that I intend nothing personal--but Alwynne is so swayed by you, so entirely under your thumb; you know what a loyal, affectionate child she is, and as far as I can gather from what Roger let fall--for she is in one of her moods and will not confide in me--she considers herself bound to you by--by the terms of your friendship. All she would say to Roger was, 'Clare comes first. Clare must come first'--which, of course, is perfectly ridiculous." Clare reddened. "You mean that I, or you, for that matter, who have known Alwynne for years, must step aside, must dutifully foster this liking for a comparative stranger." Elsbeth smiled. "Well, naturally. He's a man." "I am sorry I can't agree. Alwynne is a free agent. If she prefers my friendship to Mr. Lumsden's adorations----"