But if she hesitated,--if, as was certainly possible, she should show any partiality for the man, then there would be a knot which would require untying.

Hitherto the intercourse between the father and daughter had been simple and pleasant.

He had given her everything she asked for, and she had obeyed him in all the very few matters as to which he had demanded obedience.

Questions of discipline, as far as there had been any discipline, had generally been left to Mrs.Roby.

Mrs.Roby was to dine in Manchester Square to-day, and perhaps it would be well that he should have a few words with Mrs.Roby before he spoke to his daughter.
Mrs.Roby had a husband, but Mr.Roby had not been asked to dine in the Square on this occasion.