Miss Yule is aware that I am writing this letter; will
you not let her plead for me, seeing that only by an unhappy
chance have I been kept aloof from you? Marian and I are equally
desirous that you should approve our union; without that
approval, indeed, something will be lacking to the happiness for
which we hope.
'Believe me to be sincerely yours,
'JASPER MILVAIN.'
Half an hour after reading this Yule was roused from a fit of the
gloomiest brooding by Marian's entrance. She came towards him
timidly, with pale countenance. He had glanced round to see who
it was, but at once turned his head again.
'Will you forgive me for keeping this secret from you, father?'
'Forgive you?' he replied in a hard, deliberate voice. 'I assure
you it is a matter of perfect indifference to me. You are long
since of age, and I have no power whatever to prevent your
falling a victim to any schemer who takes your fancy. It would be
folly in me to discuss the question. I recognise your right to
have as many secrets as may seem good to you. To talk of
forgiveness is the merest affectation.
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