"And may I ask on what ground you--" "On the ground, sir, that I have a sincere affection for Miss Turnham, and believe it lies in my power to make her happy." "Of that, kindly allow me to judge.

My sister is a mere child--too young to know her own mind.

Be seated." To a constraining, restraining vision of little Polly, Mahony obeyed, stifling the near retort that she was not too young to earn her living among strangers.

The two men faced each other on opposite sides of the table.

John Turnham had the same dark eyes and hair, the same short, straight nose as his brother and sister, but not their exotic pallor.
His skin was bronzed; and his large, scarlet mouth supplied a vivid dash of colour.