He stopped short at that, and turning away, looked out across
the garden as if some recollection had suddenly struck him.

"When you were young--which is, of course, such an awfully
long time since!" said the girl, a little teasingly. "What?"

"Only that if a woman said No--unmistakably--once, a man took
it as final," replied Ransford. "At least--so I was always
given to believe. Nowadays--"

"You forget that Mr. Pemberton Bryce is what most people would
call a very pushing young man," said Mary. "If he doesn't get
what he wants in this world, it won't be for not asking for
it. But--if you must speak to him--and I really think you
must!--will you tell him that he is not going to get--me?
Perhaps he'll take it finally from you--as my guardian."

"I don't know if parents and guardians count for much in these
degenerate days," said Ransford. "But--I won't have him
annoying you. And--I suppose it has come to annoyance?"

"It's very annoying to be asked three times by a man whom
you've told flatly, once for all, that you don't want him, at
any time, ever!" she answered. "It's--irritating!"

"All right," said Ransford quietly. "I'll speak to him.
There's going to be no annoyance for you under this roof."

The girl gave him a quick glance, and Ransford turned away