Things are not going well with me just now." "Business worries ?" said the girl.
Deringham nodded.

"And domestic too, if the affairs of Carnaby come under that heading.

In fact, I am hemmed in by difficulties I cannot see a way through, and to make it worse Alton will come to no decision until he has sent somebody over to report upon the property.

I have wondered now and then if he was talking altogether at random when he told you that he was willing to give it you." "Of course!" said his daughter, smiling outwardly to cover her indignation.

"It would be preposterous to think that I could accept such a favour even if he had the slightest intention of relinquishing his claim!" "Yes," said Deringham dryly.