"I can say what I wish to say in two words, Mr. Winfield," said Bailey.
"This marriage is quite out of the question."

"Eh?"

"My father would naturally never consent to it. As soon as he hears of
what has happened he will forbid it absolutely. Kindly dismiss from
your mind entirely the idea that my sister will ever be permitted to
marry you, Mr. Winfield."

Steve, in the gallery, with difficulty suppressed a whoop of surprise.
Kirk laughed ruefully.

"Aren't you a little premature, Mr. Bannister? Aren't you taking a good
deal for granted?"

"In what way?"

"Well, that Miss Bannister cares the slightest bit for me, for
instance; that I've one chance in a million of ever getting her to care
the slightest bit for me?"

Bailey was disgusted at this futile attempt to hide the known facts of
the case from him.

"You need not trouble to try and fool me, Mr. Winfield," he said
tartly. "I know everything. I have just seen my sister, and she told me
herself in so many words that she intended to marry you."