"He was put to that before there was much chance of his succeeding; his aunt would not have him on her hands consuming the money she meant for the earldom. His elder brother would have had it, but he killed himself before it fell due: there are things that must not be spoken of to young ladies. I don't say your _friend_ has disgraced himself; he has not: by George, it takes a good deal for that in his set! But not a soul out of his own family cares two-pence for him." "There are some who are better liked everywhere than at home, and they're not the better sort," said Hester. "That goes for less than nothing. I know the part of him chance acquaintances cannot know. He does not bear his heart on his sleeve. I assure you, major Marvel, he is a man of uncommon gifts and--" "Great attractions, no doubt--to me invisible," blurted the major. Hester turned from him. "I am going home," she said. "--Luncheon is at the usual hour." "Just one word," cried he, hurrying after her. "I swear by the living God I have no purpose or hope in interfering but to save you from a miserable future. Promise me not to marry this man, and I will settle on you a thousand a year--safe. You shall have the principal down if you prefer." Hester walked the faster. "Hear me," he went on, in an agony of entreaty mingled with something like anger. "I mean it," he continued. "Why should I not for Helen's child!" He was a yard or two behind her. She turned on him with a glance of contempt. But the tears were in his eyes, and her heart smote her. He had abused her friend, but was plainly honest himself. Her countenance changed as she looked at him. He came up to her. She laid her hand on his arm, and said-- "Dear major Marvel, I will speak to you without anger. What would you think of one who took money to do the thing she ought to do? I will not ask you what you would think of one who took money to do the thing she ought not to do! I would not _promise_ not to marry a beggar from the street. It _might_ be disgraceful to marry the beggar; it _must_ be disgraceful to promise not!" "Yes, yes, my dear! you are quite right--absolutely right," said the major humbly. "I only wanted to make you independent. You don't think half enough of yourself.--But I will dare one more question before I give you up; is he going to ask you to marry him?" "Perhaps. I do not know." "One more question yet: can you secure any liberty? Will your father settle anything upon you?" "I don't know. I have never thought about anything of the kind." "How could they let you go about with him so much and never ask him what he meant by it?" "They could easier have asked me what I meant by it!" "If I had such a jewel I would look after it!" "Have me shut up like an eastern lady, I suppose," said Hester, laughing; "make my life miserable to make it safe. If a woman has any sense, major Marvel, she can take care of herself; if she has not, she must learn the need of it."