Allott made a sign of impatience. "Let's be frank! The matter's delicate, and perhaps requires a lighter touch than mine, but I understand that Helen has given you a hint." "She has," said Thirlwell, with some grimness. "I hoped you'd both let the thing go when she saw my attitude." "We'll let it go after the next few minutes, if you like, but there is something to be said. Evelyn is an attractive girl, and has some money; besides which, Sir James would approve her marrying you. He has hinted that he'll give you a chance of making your mark in England if he is satisfied. Evelyn's relations know this, and it was significant that they agreed when Helen invited her to join us. As the girl consented, I might perhaps go farther--" Thirlwell stopped him. "Why is Sir James anxious to help me?" "We can only guess. Perhaps he feels you have a claim and he has neglected you. Then he may think you will do him credit and realize the ambitions he's getting too old to carry out. He has noted that you have inherited your father's character, and I've heard him remark that while Tom Thirlwell had extravagant notions, he certainly had brains. However, we were talking about Evelyn." Thirlwell, exercising some self-control, lighted a cigarette and gave Allott a steady look. "Then we'll finish the talk. Evelyn is a charming girl; amiable, pretty, tranquil, but there's no ground for believing she has contemplated marrying me." "Suppose we admit that's possible?" said Allott, with a meaning smile. "I imagine, because I know you both, that if you were firm enough, you could, so to speak, carry her away. Since you own that she's charming, why don't you try?" "If you are curious, you can take it that Sir James's gratuitous approval is an obstacle. I shall not marry to please him or let him plan my career. I mean to stand on my own feet and not be ruled by a greedy old man's caprices. Now you understand this, we'll say no more about the thing." Allott shrugged. "Very well! I've done my best, and since you mean to take your own line, wish you success. Perhaps we had better go downstairs." Evelyn was talking to the young American when they crossed the big hall and she smiled as they passed, but an hour later Thirlwell saw her alone. She beckoned him carelessly and indicated a place near her in a corner seat. "So Allott has not persuaded you to come with us!" she remarked. "No," said Thirlwell. "Very sorry, but there are matters I can't neglect." "We shall miss you," she said, with a side glance. "I suppose you are not coming to England afterwards?" "I'm afraid not," Thirlwell answered. Then, to his surprise, she gave him a rather curious smile. "From the beginning I didn't think you would come." "Ah!" said Thirlwell. "Still I don't see why--"