Of course we all know his besetting sin--irresolution.

A child might sway him, either for good or ill.

The very best thing that could happen to Val would be his marriage with Anne.

She is sensible and judicious; and I think Val could not fail to keep straight under her influence.

If Dr.
Ashton could only be brought to see the matter in this light!" "Can he not ?" "He thinks--and I don't say he has not reason--that Val should show some proof of stability before his marriage, instead of waiting until after it.