The old gentleman smiled incredulously.

"My only regret is," continued the judge, "that I allowed Mr. Plateas to
discover my secret yesterday. I protest I never had the least thought of
urging him to this step; he has taken it of his own accord, and you do
me wrong in supposing that I have acted from self-interest."

"I believe it, since you say so, and will not stop to inquire how it
happens that he should ask me for the hand of my daughter, whom he does
not know, the very day after receiving your confidence.

"But however that may be," he went on, without letting Mr. Liakos speak,
"I cannot give you an immediate reply; I must have time to consider the
question. Pray do not trouble yourself to call; I will make my decision
known to you." The last words were spoken dryly.

The judge went away much disconcerted. It was not a refusal that he had
received, nor yet was it a consent; his most serious disquiet was caused
by the old man's tone and manner. Although they might have arisen partly
from the dispute in the warehouse, it was only too clear that his deep
interest in the success of his mission had been as detrimental in
awakening the merchant's suspicions as in checking his own eloquence.

How many things he could have said to Mr. Mitrophanis if he had only
dared! He felt that his mediation had simply made matters worse, and
might prove fatal. A more skilful diplomatist than he would be needed to
conduct the affair to a happy ending; why had he not acted on his first
impulse and consulted his cousin? Why not go to her even now? Surely his
friend could not be offended, especially if the result was successful;
the poor judge was in trouble, and longed for encouragement and support;