"It will be interesting to know what your intentions are against me."
"I--I want to tell you the thing don't work--I don't see how you could expect it. I want, in a perfectly open and straightforward way, to discuss the means to the desired end--her happiness."
Thurston smiled wearily. "This would all be very farcical if there were not a very serious question for me at the root of it, and which my wife's conduct to-night has made me realize very keenly. I suppose she was discussing me, during your rather unconventional hansom-ride this evening?"
"Yes, she was--and--er--not favorably. Now, what do you propose to do?"
Thurston rose, answering, very sternly and coldly. "Prove to my own satisfaction if it is true, that my wife is not, and never can be, happy in her new home. I shall not ask her, because she does not know herself what is good for her. I am egotistical enough to think that I understand her better than her own family--and even better than you. And I am convinced that a few years away from her own country, and her own people, will convert the spoilt child into a splendid, self-controlled woman. If I am mistaken, I assure you, the way of retreat shall be made very easy for her."
"Er--how long will it take to discover all this--a lifetime?"
Glen looked at him thoughtfully, feeling that, owing to his jealousy, he had always been unjustly prejudiced against Indiana's husband. There was a consciousness of right, a dignity in Thurston's bearing, which impressed him. And beneath the calm, cold manner in which he had spoken, Glen recognized an undercurrent of pain. It dawned on him, suddenly, that the other's composure was only repression, and the man was suffering. He also appreciated the unfailing courtesy with which he had been treated.
"Lord Canning," he said, rising, "I don't feel near as confident, as I did when I came in. I was sure my platform was a just and equitable one, but since I've been watching you and listening, I begin to feel a little ashamed of myself."
"No occasion for it, I'm sure," Thurston replied, kindly.
"You're a fine fellow, and if Indiana's not happy with you, it's not your fault. It's the fault of your nationality--that's the only weak point I see in you."