“I thought so. Then here’s the alternative. Forbid Félicia to take any step in the matter. Let her understand that if she does, everything is over between you. Give her the choice. Otherwise, whether she wins or loses, you will infallibly drift apart, for no woman will stand seeing a man indifferent or opposed to an aim which is the breath of life to her. If she cares for you enough to give it up for your sake, it’s a different thing.” “I couldn’t ask it of her,” said Usk. “In one way, it’s almost a relief that this has come out. I have always felt as if I was defrauding her, somehow.” “Usk,” said his uncle, “there’s a good deal of your mother in you, and that makes it perfectly hopeless to offer you any guidance. One could generally get Caerleon to see reason, after a tremendous amount of hammering, but nothing but fanaticism would move your mother--in her young days, of course. Well, I don’t envy you the next few months. I have cabled to Hicks to let me know the exact nature of the proofs he holds, and also whether the trustees are debarred like you from asserting any claim on Félicia’s behalf. It was necessary to find that out, though those two girls were so impatient of delay that they were ready to set out for Vindobona there and then, and press the claim in person. I had to point out to them that Félicia would do well to remain as far from Pannonia as possible for the present. There are various approved ways of disposing of inconvenient young ladies who persist in raking up forgotten scandals, especially when there are a good many millions in question as well.” “Yes. She is safest here, if she is resolved to go on. But what I can’t make out is why Miss Logan should have been silent so long, if she knew everything six months ago.” “I can’t be certain, but I have my suspicions that my hopeful stepson comes in somewhere. That’s why I should be glad to see you put your foot down, and end the matter one way or the other.” “You mean that he and Miss Logan are plotting that he shall marry Félicia if the claim is allowed? Rather fine from their point of view, wouldn’t it be? But they are reckoning without Félicia.” “Where did you get your wide knowledge of women?” asked Cyril, with intense interest. Usk answered quite unsuspiciously-- “Oh, I don’t know. I don’t know many, but I know Félicia.” “And you won’t even attempt to dissuade her from pressing the claim?” “I mean to tell her how anxious her father was that she should let things alone, but I can’t help it if she decides not to. It’s her own concern, and she has a right to judge for herself.”