The sound of steps on the gravel path interrupted their confabulation.

"It is Mr. Anderson, _pere_" said Miss Carry laconically.

"He is coming to take possession," responded her sister.

The crunch of the gravel under his solid, firm tread jarred on their
already wearied sensibilities. Nevertheless they knew that it behooved
them to be cordial and to accept the situation with good grace. Their
niece was over head and ears in love with a young man whose personal
character, so far as they knew, was not open to reproach, and who
would be heir to millions. What more was to be said? Indeed, Miss
Rebecca was the first to broach the subject after the greetings were
over.

"Our young people seem to have made up their minds that they cannot
live apart," she said.

"So my son has informed me."

Mr. Anderson spoke gravely and then paused. His habitually confident
manner betrayed signs of nervousness.

"I told him this morning that there could be no engagement until after
I had talked with you," he added.

One could have heard a pin drop. Each of the sisters was tremulous to
know what was coming next. Could he possibly be meditating purse-proud
opposition? The Ripley blue blood simmered at the thought, and Miss
Rebecca, nervous in her turn, tapped the ground lightly with her foot.