During the long silent walk the merchant had been revolving in his mind what course he should pursue, and he had come to the conclusion that it was more easy to guide this impetuous stream of youth than to attempt to stem it.  He did not realize the strength of the tie that bound these two young people together, and imagined that with judgment and patience it might yet be snapped.  It was, therefore, with as good an imitation of geniality as his angular visage would permit of that he answered his companion’s confession.

“You can hardly wonder at my being surprised,” he said.  “Such a thing never entered my mind for a moment.  You would have done better to have confided in me before.”

“I must ask your pardon for not having done so.”

“As far as you are concerned,” said John Girdlestone affably, “I believe you to be hard-working and right-principled.  Your conduct since you have joined the firm has been everything which I could desire.”

Tom bowed his acknowledgments, much pleased by this preamble.

“With regard to my ward,” continued the senior partner, speaking very slowly and evidently weighing his words, “I could not wish her to have a better husband.  In considering such a question I have, however, as you may imagine, to consult above everything else the wishes of my dead friend, Mr. John Harston, the father of the young lady to whom you say that you are engaged.  A trust has been reposed in me, and that trust must, of course, be fulfilled to the letter.”

“Certainly,” said Tom, wondering in his own mind how he could ever have brought himself for one moment to think evil of this kindly and righteous old man.

“It was one of Mr. Harston’s most clearly expressed wishes that no words or even thoughts of such matters should be allowed to come in his daughter’s way until she had attained maturity, by which he meant the age of one-and-twenty.”

“But he could not foresee the circumstances,” Tom pleaded.  “I am sure that a year or so will make no difference in her sentiments in this matter.”

“My duty is to carry out his instructions to the letter.  I won’t say, however,” continued Mr. Girdlestone, “that circumstances might not arise which might induce me to shorten this probationary period.  If my further acquaintance with you confirms the high impression which I now have of your commercial ability, that, of course, would have weight with me; and, again, if I find Miss Harston’s mind is made up upon the point, that also would influence my judgment.”

“And what are we to do in the mean time?” asked the junior partner anxiously.

“In the mean time neither you nor your people must write to her, or speak to her, or hold any communication with her whatever.  If I find you or them doing so, I shall be compelled in justice to Mr. Harston’s last request to send her to some establishment abroad where she shall be entirely out of your way.  My mind is irrevocably made up upon that point.  It is not a matter of personal inclination, but of conscience.”