“Oh, because—because”—Mrs. Dengelton could not really bring herself to give the real reasons, so fenced dexterously,—“Because you see, I wish her to marry her cousin, and keep the property in the family.” “The property will remain in the family without such a marriage,” said Crispin provokingly; “and as for your daughter, she does not love Maurice.” “Not love Maurice!” screamed Mrs. Dengelton wrathfully. “No, she loves me.” “Loves you!” gasped the good lady faintly, feeling for her smelling-salts. “Oh, this is some horrible dream!” “By no means,” replied Crispin quietly; “I really do not see why you should make such an uncomplimentary remark. I love your daughter, and I wish to marry her. Is there anything extraordinary in that?” “Eunice could marry any one.” “No doubt, but she will not. I am the only man she will marry.” “Indeed! You forget her mother’s consent is necessary.” “At present, yes, because she is under age—but afterwards”— “Eunice Dengelton will obey me all her life,” said the lady furiously; “and I will never, never consent to her marriage with you, sir!” “Why not?” “Because I do not know who you are,” retorted Mrs. Dengelton tartly. “I will satisfy you on that point before the marriage.” “Then I do not know if you can support a wife.” “If I can support a yacht, I can certainly support a wife,” said Crispin ironically; “but if you want me to be exact as to figures, my income is twelve thousand a year.” “Twelve thousand a year!” gasped Mrs. Dengelton in amazement; “why, you are richer than Maurice!” “Yes, twice as rich. Is there any other question you would like to ask?” “Well, I would like to know about your parents.” “I have no parents. I am an orphan.” “And where do you come from, Mr. Crispin?” “From the East” “Heavens!” cried Mrs. Dengelton, as a dreadful thought struck her; “you are not a Hindoo, or a negro, or a Hottentot?” “Well, I am certainly dark,” replied the poet, laughing, “but I am, as it happens, a pure-blooded Englishman. But come now, Mrs. Dengelton, I have answered your questions, so in common fairness you must answer mine. Will you let me marry your daughter?” “I—I—really I don’t know what to say,” said Mrs. Dengelton, unwilling to let the chance of such a wealthy match slip, and yet doubtful as to the position of the suitor. “I must think it over. Tell me who you are.” “Not now. I will satisfy you fully concerning my family when I return from Greece.” “Ah! am I right in saying you are going to the East to see your relatives about this marriage?” said Mrs. Dengelton archly. “Partly right. I am going as much on your nephew’s account as my own.” “And what is _he_ going for?” “That I cannot tell you, Mrs. Dengelton,” replied Crispin mendaciously, “you must ask him that yourself. But as to this marriage”— “I cannot give you an answer now—really I cannot.” “Will you give me an answer when I return from the East?” “When will you return?” “In three months.”