It must be secret.

But if it can be done--when his time comes the child can look his new world in the face.

He will be the Head of the House of Coombe when it most needs a strong fellow who has no cause to fear anything and who holds money and power in his hands." "You propose to suggest that she shall marry _you_ ?" she put it to him.
"Yes.

It will be the devil's own job," he answered.

"She has not begun to think of the child yet--and she has abhorred me all her life.