He smiled in calm superiority.

"I have expressed my hope to that effect. Of expectations it will be
time enough to speak when I am better informed upon divers points. I
am not one to take much for granted, am less sanguine than my
romantic aunt, or even than my more practical sister. Assuming,
however, that all is as you would have it, your wish would be, I
suppose, for an early marriage?"

"There has been little said about that," responded Mabel,
reddening--then rallying to add smilingly--"such an arrangement
would have involved the taking for granted a good many things--your
consent among them."

Winston passed over the addenda.

"But that little, especially when uttered by Mr. Chiiton, trenched
upon the inexpediency of long engagements--did it not?"

Mabel was mute, her eyes downcast.

"I agree with him there, at any rate. You are nineteen years of age;
he twenty-five. Your property is unincumbered, and can be
transferred to your keeping at very short notice. Mr. Chiiton
represents that his income from his patrimonial estate, eked out by
professional gains, is sufficient to warrant him in marrying
forthwith. I shall see that no time is lost in making the inquiries
upon which depends the progress of the negotiation. Business calls
me North in a week or ten days. I shall stop a day in Philadelphia,
and settle your affair."