"
"They were very wealthy. Papa told mamma to write home to them, but she
would not. She is too independent for that."
"Will you sanction my action, and allow me to work this case up? Your
mother cannot be an heir, you know, save in a roundabout way; so that
you, being of age, are sole authority in the matter."
"How do you know I am of age?"
"I don't; but thought that, perhaps, you might be, seeing you are so
mature and circumspect in your ways."
"Thank you for the doubtful compliment. I am of age, however."
"Then will you authorize me to proceed?"
"With all my heart."
"Do you know it makes me very sorry to become your solicitor?"
"Why?"
"Because henceforth ours are mere business relations, and I, a
struggling junior partner, must be circumspect too, and stand in proper
awe and distant respect for a prospective heiress."
"Do not allow your reverence to carry you too far to an opposite
extreme. You have been very good during most of our walk, and I have
enjoyed it very much."
As she tripped in at the French window, Coristine could not reply. It is
probable that he ejaculated inwardly, "the darlin'!" but, outwardly, he
took out his pipe and sought consolation in the bowl of the Turk's head.
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