"You ought to know me better, Brooks, than
to suppose me possessed of such a thing. No; I have a sense of justice,
that is all--a sort of weakness for seeing the scales held fairly. Now,
don't you think it is reasonable that she should accept this money from
me?"
"It depends entirely upon how she feels," Brooks answered. "You have no
right to press it upon her if she has scruples. Nor have you any right
to try and enlist her family on your side, as you seem to be doing."
Will you discuss it with her?
"I should not attempt to influence her," Brooks answered.
"Be reasonable, Brooks. The money can make no earthly difference to
me, and it secures for her independence. The obligation, if only a
moral one, is real enough. There is no question of charity. Use your
influence with her."
Brooks shook his head.
"I have great confidence in Miss Scott's own judgment," he said. "I
prefer not to interfere."
Arranmore sat quite still for a moment. Then he rose slowly to his
feet.
"I am sorry to have troubled you," he said. "The world seems to have
grown more quixotic since I knew it better.
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