Finally I invited him to accompany me as a guest on my return." "He accepted ?" "No, not at once; he doubted if he could break off certain business engagements in England.

Then, at a reception, he chanced to meet my niece, and, a little later, decided to undertake the voyage.

I am inclined to believe she was the determining factor." "Very likely," I admitted, deciding now to learn all possible details.
"However, that is not to be wondered at.

Mistress Dorothy is an exceedingly attractive young woman." The look he gave me was far from pleasant.
"But she is not a girl for any swash-buckling Spaniard to carry off as prize," he burst out hotly.

"God's mercy! Her father would never forgive me if that happened." "Never fear," I said dryly, "it is not going to happen." "Why do you say that ?" "Because I have seen them together, and am not entirely blind, Watch them now--she scarcely responds to his words." His eyes rested for a moment on the two, but he only shook his head moodily.
"No one knows what is in the heart of a woman, Carlyle.