the way, Barbara is extremely fond, though it may only be in a friendly
fashion. At any rate she pays more attention to his wishes and opinions
than to mine and yours put together."

At the mention of Alan's name Aylward started violently.

"I feared it," he said, "and he is more than ten years my junior and
a soldier, not a man of business. Also there is no use disguising the
truth, although I am a baronet and shall be a peer and he is nothing
but a beggarly country gentleman with a D.S.O. tacked on to his name,
he belongs to a different class to us, as she does too on her mother's
side. Well, I can smash him up, for you remember I took over that
mortgage on Yarleys, and I'll do it if necessary. Practically our friend
has not a shilling that he can call his own. Therefore, Haswell, unless
you play me false, which I don't think you will, for I can be a nasty
enemy," he added with a threat in his voice, "Alan Vernon hasn't much
chance in that direction."

"I don't know, Aylward, I don't know," replied Haswell, shaking his
white head. "Barbara is a strong-willed woman and she might choose to
take the man and let the money go, and then--who can stop her? Also I
don't like your idea of smashing Vernon. It isn't right, and it may come
back on our own heads, especially yours. I am sorry that he has left us,
as you were on Friday night, for somehow he was a good, honest stick to
lean on, and we want such a stick. But I am tired now, I really can't
talk any more. The doctor warned me against excitement. Get the girl's
consent, Aylward, and we'll see. Ah! here comes my soup. Good-bye for
the present."

When Sir Robert came down to luncheon he found Barbara looking