The Major was just ready to be helped into the garden when I reached
the hotel. We sat down in the very same place where Derrick had
read the news, and, when I judged it politic, I suddenly remembered
with apologies the letter that had been entrusted to me. The old
man received it with satisfaction, for he was fond of Lawrence and
proud of him, and the news of the engagement pleased him greatly.
He was still discussing it when, two hours later, Derrick returned.

"Here's good news!" said the Major, glancing up as his son
approached. "Trust Lawrence to fall on his feet! He tells me the
girl will have a thousand a year. You know her, don't you? What's
she like?"

"I have met her," replied Derrick, with forced composure. "She is
very charming."

"Lawrence has all his wits about him," growled the Major. "Whereas
you--" (several oaths interjected). "It will be a long while before
any girl with a dowry will look at you! What women like is a bold
man of action; what they despise, mere dabblers in pen and ink,
writers of poisonous sensational tales such as yours! I'm quoting
your own reviewers, so you needn't contradict me!"

Of course no one had dreamt of contradicting; it would have been the
worst possible policy.

"Shall I help you in?" said Derrick. "It is just dinner time."

And as I walked beside them to the hotel, listening to the Major's