The flotation was underwritten and bound to go through; the scandal would come afterwards, months or years hence, long before which he might get out, as most of the others meant to do.

No, he could not.

His conscience was too much for him.
"I do not see any use in reconsidering that question, Mr.Haswell," he said quietly; "we settled it on Friday night." Barbara reopened her brown eyes and stared amiably at the painted ceiling, and Mr.Haswell whistled.
"Then I am afraid," he said, "that I do not see any use in discussing your kind proposal for my niece's hand.

Listen--I will be quite open with you.

I have other views for Barbara, and as it happens I have the power to enforce them, or at any rate to prevent their frustration by you.