consider what her prospects are; not her immediate prospects, that
would be mercenary, but her future prospects."

Willy smiled. "And what did Berkins say?"

"He said he wanted to marry, and he spoke of Grace; he said he admired
her. I shouldn't be surprised if we saw him at church to-day."

"Are you going to ask him to lunch?"

"Certainly, if he's there." Then, after a long silence, Mr. Brookes
said: "He'll come in here to smoke. Of course you'll leave us alone.
Do you mind leaving out your cigars?"

"I have only half a box left; I think really you might keep some in
the house to supply your own guests with. You always object if I
interfere with your things."

"I am out of my best cigars--it is so hard to remember. He won't smoke
more than one."

"I'll put one in the cigar case then."

"You had better fill it; it will look so bad if there is only one; he
won't take it."

"He'll take all he can get; he took my bird, I know that!"

"This is a matter of great importance."