It ran: "I have tried and failed--for the present. By ill-luck A.V. had
been before me, only this morning. If I had not missed my chance last
night owing to your illness, it would have been different. I do not,
however, in the least abandon my plan, in which of course I rely on and
expect your support. Keep V. in the office or let him go as you like.
Perhaps it would be better if you could prevail upon him to stop there
until after the flotation. But whatever you say at the moment, I trust
to you to absolutely veto any engagement between him and your niece, and
to that end to use all your powers and authority as her guardian. Burn
this note.

"R.A."



CHAPTER VI

MR. HASWELL LOSES HIS TEMPER

Alan and Barbara sat in Mr. Champers-Haswell's private sitting-room with
the awful decorations, and before them by the fire Mr. Champers-Haswell
reclined upon his couch. Alan in a few, brief, soldier-like words had
just informed him of his engagement to Barbara. During the recital of
this interesting fact Barbara said nothing, but Mr. Haswell had whistled
several times. Now at length he spoke, in that tone of forced geniality
which he generally adopted towards his cousin.

"You are asking for the hand of a considerable heiress, Alan my boy," he
said, "but you have neglected to inform me of your own position."