father.

"Of course," said Sir John, "when I die you will be a baronet, and
there will be enough to live on like a gentleman. You had better
tell Miss Chyne that. She may not know it. Girls are so innocent.
But I am not dead yet, and I shall take especial care to live some
time."

"In order to prevent my marriage?" suggested Jack. He was still
smiling, and somehow Sir John felt a little uneasy. He did not
understand that smile.

"Precisely so," he said, rather indistinctly.

"What is your objection?" inquired Jack Meredith, after a little
pause.

"I object to the girl."

"Upon what grounds?"

"I should prefer you to marry a woman of heart."

"Heart?" repeated Jack, with a suspicion of hereditary cynicism. "I
do not think heart is of much consequence. Besides, in this case,
surely that is my province! you would not have her wear it on her
sleeve?"

"She could not do that: not enough sleeve."