But you have no right to expect that we shall see the lady
with your eyes. I cannot help seeing her as she is. I do not like her,
but if you choose to marry her, rest assured I shall give neither of
you cause for complaint. Now, according to my custom, I've had my say.
You could not expect me, as your brother, to be indifferent; still
less could I pretend an approval that I don't feel; but I recognize
that you are as free as I was when Mary's suitor, and I do not think
you can reasonably ask more. Our relations are too intimate for
misunderstanding. You know that, in my present plans and hopes, I
looked forward to receiving you as a partner at no distant time, if
such purposes are carried out our interests must always be identical."
"Pardon me, Henry," said Graydon, warmly, "and do not misunderstand my
hasty words. I know you have my best welfare at heart--you have ever
proved that--but you misjudge my choice. Even Mary begins to see that
you do, and woman's insight is keener than man's. You attribute to the
daughter the qualities you dislike in the father. Is it nothing that
she has waited for me during my long absence, when she could pick and
choose from so many?"
"I'm not sure she has been waiting for you; her manner toward Mr.
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