Kaituna had a considerable spice of the paternal nature in her, so she took a hint from the baronet, and used his own weapons to defend herself. "I don't understand to what you allude, sir." "Do you not? If, then, you will give me your attention for a few moments, I will try and enlighten you. I saw a young gentleman in the distance to-day, and asked Belk who he was. In reply I was informed that it was a Mr. Maxwell, to whom you are engaged. Will you kindly inform me if this is the case?" Kaituna lifted her head defiantly. "I love Mr. Maxwell, and wish to marry him." "Indeed. I presume you never considered that it was necessary to consult me?" "I intended to do so, father, when--when Mrs. Belswin returned." "Ah! Mrs. Belswin then knows all about this affair?" "Yes." "And is going to ask me to consent to the marriage?" "Yes." Sir Rupert walked up and down the room for a few minutes, then, pausing before his daughter, spoke deliberately. "I'm afraid you may think me somewhat inquisitive, but I should like to know something about this Mr. Maxwell. Where did you meet him?" "At Marsh-on-the-Sea." "Indeed! And having fallen in love with you there, he followed you up here." "Yes! He was going to ask you to consent to our marriage." "Very considerate of him; but as yet he has not done so. Who is my future son-in-law?" "Father," cried Kaituna, the tears coming into her eyes, "do not speak so cruelly. He is a civil engineer, and I love him very--very dearly. Mr. Clendon, the vicar, knows him. He is staying there just now." "Very interesting indeed. Has he any money?" "I don't know! I think not." "So you were going to marry in this extremely doubtful fashion. I must say the whole affair does equal credit to your heart and head." "Father!" "Pardon me! one moment. This estate is entailed, and should I die to-morrow, you do not inherit a penny, as it goes to the next male heir of the Pethrams. If, then, you do not make a good match, I confess I do not see how you are to live." Kaituna said nothing, but remained with downcast eyes, looking at the ground, while her father went on speaking in a cold tranquil tone. "Knowing that you would be penniless at my death, I went out to New Zealand, sold all my property, and invested the money in an Australian Silver Mining Company. You may be sure I did not do so without first personally inquiring thoroughly about the prospects of the company. From what I learned, I am sure that it will turn out well, and in the event of its doing so, you will be an heiress. Under these circumstances I can rest assured as to your future, should I die in an unexpected manner." "I understand, father, but--but--what are you going to do?" "I am going to write to Mr. Maxwell, thank him for his very gentlemanly behaviour, and refuse to sanction the match." Kaituna flung herself on her knees before him. "No, no! you will not be so cruel. I love him, papa! Oh, you don't know how I love him."