"I rather expect Mr. Meredith," said Sir John to the butler, who was
trimming the library lamp while the footman received his instructions.
"Do not bring coffee until he comes."

And Sir John was right. At half-past eight Jack arrived. Sir John was
awaiting him in the library, grimly sitting in his high-backed chair, as
carefully dressed as for a great reception.

He rose when his son entered the room, and they shook hands. There was a
certain air of concentration about both, as if they each intended to say
more than they had ever said before. The coffee was duly brought. This
was a revival of an old custom. In bygone days Jack had frequently come
in thus, and they had taken coffee before going together in Sir John's
carriage to one of the great social functions at which their presence
was almost a necessity. Jack had always poured out the coffee--to-night
he did not offer to do so.

"I came," he said suddenly, "to give you a piece of news which I am
afraid will not be very welcome."

Sir John bowed his head gravely.

"You need not temper it," he said, "to me."

"Millicent and I have decided to make our engagement known," retorted
Jack at once.

Sir John bowed again. To any one but his son his suave acquiescence
would have been maddening.

"I should have liked," continued Jack, "to have done it with your
consent."

Sir John winced. He sat upright in his chair and threw back his
shoulders. If Jack intended to continue in this way, there would be
difficulties to face. Father and son were equally determined. Jack had
proved too cunning a pupil. The old aristocrat's own lessons were being
turned against him, and the younger man has, as it were, the light of
the future shining upon his game in such a case as this, while the elder
plays in the gathering gloom.

"You know," said Sir John gravely, "that I am not much given to altering
my opinions. I do not say that they are of any value; but, such as they
are, I usually hold to them. When you did me the honour of mentioning
this matter to me last year, I gave you my opinion."

"And it has in no way altered?"

"In no way. I have found no reason to alter it."

"Can you modify it?" asked Jack gently.

"No."

"Not in any degree?"

Jack drew a deep breath.

"No."

He emitted the breath slowly, making an effort so that it did not take
the form of a sigh.

"Will you, at all events, give me your reasons?" he asked. "I am not a
child."

Sir John fumbled a