"But--you mentioned that you wished to marry the daughter?
Now that you know about her father's past--for I am sure she must be John Brake's child--you won't allow that to--eh ?" "Not for a moment!" answered Bryce, with a fair show of magnanimity.
"I am not a man of that complexion, sir.

No!--I only wished to clear up certain things, you understand." "And--since she is apparently--from what you say--in ignorance of her real father's past--what then ?" asked Mr.Gilwaters anxiously.

"Shall you--" "I shall do nothing whatever in any haste," replied Bryce.

"Rely upon me to consider her feelings in everything.

As you have been so kind, I will let you know, later, how matters go." This was one of Pemberton Bryce's ready inventions.