However, we were talking about Evelyn." Thirlwell, exercising some self-control, lighted a cigarette and gave Allott a steady look.
"Then we'll finish the talk.

Evelyn is a charming girl; amiable, pretty, tranquil, but there's no ground for believing she has contemplated marrying me." "Suppose we admit that's possible ?" said Allott, with a meaning smile.
"I imagine, because I know you both, that if you were firm enough, you could, so to speak, carry her away.

Since you own that she's charming, why don't you try ?" "If you are curious, you can take it that Sir James's gratuitous approval is an obstacle.

I shall not marry to please him or let him plan my career.

I mean to stand on my own feet and not be ruled by a greedy old man's caprices.