"I've come to take back what I said this morning," he said, in his dry
voice. "I was hasty, and your--insensate folly in giving up the money
upset me. I have been talking the matter over with Maude, and we have
agreed to--to--continue the engagement."
Stafford lit a couple of candles and the scant light fell upon the
faces of the three, the white one of the woman, the stern and set one
of Stafford, and the hard and impassive one of Mr. Falconer.
"Of course a large sum of money will have to be found; and I must find
it. It will be settled upon Maude--with, of course, a suitable
allowance for a nobleman of your rank--"
"One moment," said Stafford, very quietly. "Before you go any further,
I have to correct a misapprehension, Mr. Falconer. I do not intend to
use my title."
"What!" exclaimed Falconer, his face growing darker.
"I intend dropping the earldom," said Stafford.
"But I don't intend you should," retorted Falconer, brutally. "If I
consent to my daughter's marrying a pauper--"
"A pauper is one who begs," said poor Stafford, his face white as
marble. "I have not yet begged--"
"Stafford!" cried Maude.
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