exactly as his wife had predicted. He would not stop his son's income
for a single quarter; and, though he went on telling himself that he
would stop it, he knew in his own heart that any such severity was
beyond his power. He was a generous man in money matters--having a
dislike for poverty which was not generous--and for his own sake could
not have endured to see a son of his in want. But he was terribly
anxious to exercise the power which the use of the threat might give
him. 'Henry,' he said, 'you are treating me badly, very badly. My
anxiety has always been for the welfare of my children. Do you think
that Miss Crawley would be a fitting sister-in-law for that dear girl
upstairs?'

'Certainly I do, or for any other dear girl in the world; excepting that
Griselda, who is not clever, would hardly be able to appreciate Miss
Crawley, who is clever.'

'Griselda not clever! Good heavens!' Then there was another pause, and
as the major said nothing, the father continued his entreaties. 'Pray,
pray think of what my wishes are, and your mother's. You are not
committed as yet. Pray think of us while there is time. I would rather
double your income, if I saw you marry anyone that we could name here.'

'I have enough as it is, if I may only be allowed to know that it will
not be capriciously withdrawn.' The archdeacon filled his glass
unconsciously, and sipped his wine, while he thought what further he
might say. Perhaps it might be better that he should say nothing further
at the moment. The major, however, was indiscreet, and pushed the
question. 'May I understand, sir, that you threat is withdrawn, and that
my income is secure?'