“What are you going to do?” repeated Mr. Vyner, impressively. “His children are at Salthaven, and he will live here because my father and I had practically decided to give him the berth of ship’s husband after this voyage. He will have it a little sooner, that’s all. Appropriate berth for a marrying man like that, isn’t it? Sounds much more romantic than marine superintendent.” “I made sure that he would be away for at least two years,” said Joan, regarding him helplessly. “There is nothing certain in this world,” said Mr. Vyner, sedately. “You should have thought of that before. The whole thing is bound to come out now. There are only two courses open to you. You might marry Captain Trimblett in reality—” “What is the other?” inquired Joan, as he paused. “The other,” said Mr. Vyner slowly and lowering his voice, “the other stands before you. All he can urge in his favour is, that he is younger than Trimblett, and, as I have said on another occasion, without incumbrances.” “If there is nothing more than that in his favour——” said Joan turning away. “Nothing,” said Robert, humbly, “unless—” “Unless what?” “Unless you know of anything.” Joan Hartley, her gaze still averted, shook her head. “Still,” said Mr. Vyner, with an air of great thoughtfulness, “a paragon would be awful to live with. Awful. Fancy marrying Bassett for instance! Fancy being married to a man you could never find fault with.” “There is a third course open to me,” said Joan, turning round. “I could go away.” Mr. Vyner got up slowly and took a step toward her. “Would you—would you sooner go away than stay with me?” he said in a low voice. “I—I don’t want to go away,” said Joan after a long pause. Mr. Vyner took two more steps. “I’m so fond of Salthaven,” added Joan hastily. “So am I,” said Robert. “It seems to me that we have a lot of ideas in common. Don’t you think it would simplify matters if you stayed at Salthaven and married me?” Joan eyed him gravely. “I don’t think it would simplify matters with your father,” she said, slowly. Mr. Vyner’s fourth and last step took him to her chair. “Is that your only objection?” he murmured, bending over her. “I might think of others—in time,” said Joan. Mr. Vyner bent a little lower, but so slowly that Miss Hartley was compelled to notice it. She got up suddenly and confronted him. He took both her hands in his, but so gently that she offered no resistance. “That is a bargain,” he said, trying to steady his voice. “I will soon arrange matters with my father.” Joan smiled faintly and shook her head. “You’ll see,” said Robert confidently. “I’ve been a good son to him, and he knows it. And I always have had my own way. I’m not going to alter now. It wouldn’t be good for him.” “You are holding my hands,” said Joan. “I know,” said Mr. Vyner. “I like it.” He released them reluctantly and stood looking at her. Miss Hartley after a brave attempt to meet his gaze, lowered her eyes. For a time neither of them spoke.