"
"Don't!--now please don't!" said Mr. Fairlie. "Think how precious
your time is, Gilmore, and don't throw it away. I would dispute
with you if I could, but I can't--I haven't stamina enough. You
want to upset me, to upset yourself, to upset Glyde, and to upset
Laura; and--oh, dear me!--all for the sake of the very last thing
in the world that is likely to happen. No, dear friend, in the
interests of peace and quietness, positively No!"
"I am to understand, then, that you hold by the determination
expressed in your letter?"
"Yes, please. So glad we understand each other at last. Sit down
again--do!"
I walked at once to the door, and Mr. Fairlie resignedly "tinkled"
his hand-bell. Before I left the room I turned round and
addressed him for the last time.
"Whatever happens in the future, sir," I said, "remember that my
plain duty of warning you has been performed. As the faithful
friend and servant of your family, I tell you, at parting, that no
daughter of mine should be married to any man alive under such a
settlement as you are forcing me to make for Miss Fairlie."
The door opened behind me, and the valet stood waiting on the
threshold.
"Louis," said Mr. Fairlie, "show Mr.
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