quarrel had resulted from a very natural and convenient attachment.
Sir John was a faddist, and, like the rest of his kind, eminently
pig-headed. It was more than likely that in a few months he would
recall his son, and, in the meantime, it never did a girl any good
to be quarrelled over.

Lady Cantourne was too clever a woman to object to the engagement.
On the contrary, she allowed it to be understood that such a match
was in many ways entirely satisfactory. At the same time, however,
she encouraged Guy Oscard to come to the house, knowing quite well
that he was entirely unaware of the existence of Jack Meredith.

"I am," she was in the habit of saying, "a great advocate for
allowing young people to manage their affairs themselves. One young
man, if he be the right one, has more influence with a girl than a
thousand old women; and it is just possible that he knows better
than they do what is for her happiness. It is the interference that
makes mischief."

So she did not interfere. She merely invited Guy Oscard to stay to
tea.



CHAPTER V. WITH EDGED TOOLS



Do not give dalliance
Too much the rein; the strongest oaths are straw