He put
a severe constraint upon himself and said, "Do you know, Frank, the
same thought had occurred to me--I had believed that I saw
something of the kind; and I can honestly say that I think Guthrie
a very sound fellow indeed in every way--quite apart from his
worldly prospects. He is straight, sensible, good-humoured,
capable, and, I think, a really unselfish fellow. If I had a
daughter of my own I could not imagine a better husband."
"You delight me inexpressibly," said Mr. Sandys. "So you had
noticed it? Well, well, I trust your perception far more than my
own; and of course I am biassed--you might almost incline to say
dazzled--by the prospect: heir to a baronetcy (I could wish it had
been of an earlier creation), rich, and, as you say, entirely
reliable and straight. Of course I don't in any way wish to force
matters on. I could not bear to be thought to have unduly
encouraged such an alliance--and Maud may marry any nice fellow she
has a fancy to marry; but I think that she is rather drawn to young
Guthrie--what do you think? He amuses her, and she is at her best
with him--don't you think so?"
"Yes," said Howard, "I had thought so. I think she likes him very
much."
"Well, we will leave it at that," said Mr. Sandys in high gusto.
"You don't mind my confiding in you thus, Howard? Somehow, if I may
say it, I find it very easy to speak confidentially to you. You are
so perceptive, so sympathetic! We all feel that it is the secret of
your great influence.
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