We mightn't be able to do the anteek Spanish Squire, but we've got our own line of business, and it's a comfortable one." To have this said to him under the roof of Mrs.Peyton, from whom, in his sensitiveness, he had thus far jealously guarded his own secret, was even more than Clarence's gentleness could stand, and fixed his wavering resolution.
"I don't think we quite understand each other, Mrs.McClosky," he said coldly, but with glittering eyes.

"I have certainly something to say to you; if it is not on a subject as pleasant as the one you propose, it is, nevertheless, one that I think you and I are more competent to discuss together." Then, with quiet but unrelenting directness, he pointed out to her that Susy was a legally adopted daughter of Mrs.Peyton, and, as a minor, utterly under her control; that Mrs.Peyton had no knowledge of any opposing relatives; and that Susy had not only concealed the fact from her, but that he was satisfied that Mrs.Peyton did not even know of Susy's discontent and alienation; that she had tenderly and carefully brought up the helpless orphan as her own child, and even if she had not gained her affection was at least entitled to her obedience and respect; that while Susy's girlish caprice and inexperience excused HER conduct, Mrs.Peyton and her friends would have a right to expect more consideration from a person of Mrs.McClosky's maturer judgment.

That for these reasons, and as the friend of Mrs.Peyton, whom he could alone recognize as Susy's guardian and the arbiter of her affections, he must decline to discuss the young girl with any reference to himself or his own intentions.
An unmistakable flush asserted itself under the lady's powder.
"Suit yourself, young man, suit yourself," she said, with equally direct resentment and antagonism; "only mebbee you'll let me tell you that Jim McClosky ain't no fool, and mebbee knows what lawyers think of an arrangement with a sister-in-law that leaves a real sister out! Mebbee that's a 'Sister's title' you ain't thought of, Mr.Brant! And mebbee you'll find out that your chance o' gettin' Mrs.Peyton's consent ain't as safe to gamble on as you reckon it is.

And mebbee, what's more to the purpose, if you DID get it, it might not be just the trump card to fetch Susy with! And to wind up, Mr.Brant, when you DO have to come down to the bed-rock and me and Jim McClosky, you may find out that him and me have discovered a better match for Susy than the son of old Ham Brant, who is trying to play the Spanish grandee off his father's money on a couple of women.

And we mayn't have to go far to do it--or to get THE REAL THING, Mr.Brant!" Too heartsick and disgusted to even notice the slur upon himself or the import of her last words, Clarence only rose and bowed as she jumped up from the table.