"Suppose I don't approve of her choice?" Mrs. Gallilee interposed.

Ovid looked at his mother--and quickly looked away again. The restless
little terrier caught his eye, and jumped up to be patted. Ovid was too
pre-occupied to notice this modest advance. The dog's eyes and ears
expressed reproachful surprise. His friend Ovid had treated him rudely
for the first time in his life.

"If the young lady contracts a matrimonial engagement of which you
disapprove," Mr. Mool answered, "you are instructed by the testator to
assert your reasons in the presence of--well, I may describe it, as a
family council; composed of Mr. Gallilee, and of Lord and Lady
Northlake."

"Excessively foolish of Robert," Mrs. Gallilee remarked. "And what, Mr.
Mool, is this meddling council of three to do?"

"A majority of the council, Mrs. Gallilee, is to decide the question
absolutely. If the decision confirms your view, and if Miss Carmina
still persists in her resolution notwithstanding--"

"Am I to give way?" Mrs. Gallilee asked.

"Not until your niece comes of age, ma'am. Then, she decides for
herself."

"And inherits the fortune?"

"Only an income from part of it--if her marriage is disapproved by her
guardian and her relatives."