His superior's equanimity was not easily overthrown.
"Are you sure, Father, of what you say ?" he asked.
"I am quite sure--or I should not have spoken." "Do you think Mr.Romayne returns the feeling ?" "Not yet, luckily.

You must use your first friendly influence over him--what is her name?
Her surname, I mean." "Eyrecourt.

Miss Stella Eyrecourt." "Very well.

You must use your influence (when you are quite sure that it _is_ an influence) to keep Mr.Romayne away from Miss Eyrecourt." Penrose looked embarrassed.

"I am afraid I should hardly know how to do that," he said "But I should naturally, as his assistant, encourage him to keep to his studies." Whatever Arthur's superior might privately think of Arthur's reply, he received it with outward indulgence.