Page:The little blue devil (IA littlebluedevil00mackiala).pdf/240

Uncle Roger had no idea that he was illogical in supposing that because a man’s first wife is a success, his second will be equally desirable. “He seems to be doing very well indeed. It’s an orange orchard, you know—most flourishing concern, apparently. It will be a jolly good trip for Pamela. I am very pleased the child thought of it—very pleased indeed.”

“Then, as usual, my wishes will be absolutely disregarded. I am becoming used to this where Pamela is concerned, after nearly eighteen years of devotion and care. One does not expect much return, of course, but to be entirely set aside———”

Aunt Sophia retired to discuss the question with Lady FitzGerald, who was staying in the house. Uncle Roger, with unusual decision, went off to send the cable of consent which Pamela had asked for.

“For two pins,” he thought, twirling his walking-stick with a recklessness engendered by his defiance of his wife’s opinion, “I’d run across and take the child myself. I’ve often thought of taking a look at old Mark’s little place. . . . Well, not just now, perhaps. It would be rather awkward to get away at present—some other time.”

After all, one could not go flying out of England at an instant’s notice, as if one were a boy with no responsibilities or business affairs. He rejected his momentary impulse as rather too rash—which was unfortunate.

It would be too much to say that Markham was the black sheep of the Learmonth family, but he was the least satisfactory of the brothers. He was careless with the small income he had, declined to enter the Navy, turned his back on the Church, and would not go in for Law. He even refused to marry a woman with money of her own, who had been carefully selected for him; and finally, without consulting the family, set sail for America, and was not heard of for some years. He then