"I wish it were!" George retorted. "But I don't intend to deny it."

His companion looked at him reproachfully.

"Don't get restive; I've your best interests at heart. You're a little
too confiding and too backward, George. Sylvia slipped through your
fingers once before."

George's brown face colored deeply. He was angry, but Mrs. Lansing was
not to be deterred.

"Take a hint and stay at home," she went on. "It might pay you better."

"And let Sylvia's property be sacrificed?"

"Yes, if necessary." She looked at him directly. "You have means
enough."

He struggled with his indignation. Sylvia hated poverty, and it had
been suggested that he should turn the fact to his advantage. The idea
that she might be more willing to marry him if she were poor was most
unpleasant.

"Sylvia's favor is not to be bought," he said.

Mrs. Lansing's smile was half impatient.

"Oh, well, if you're bent on going, there's nothing to be said.
Sylvia, of course, will stay with us."