‘I suppose you know what has happened to-day?’ said her ladyship.

’Molly and Hammond’s expedition, yes, of course.  I went part of the way with them, but I was out of training, got pumped out after a couple of miles, and wasn’t such a fool as to go to the top.’

’Do you know that Mr. Hammond made Mary an offer, while they were on the hill, and that she accepted him?’

’A queer place for a proposal, wasn’t it?  The wind blowing great guns all the time.  I should have chosen a more tranquil spot.’

’Maulevrier, cannot you be serious?  Do you forget that this business of to-day must affect your sister’s welfare for the rest of her life?’

’No, I do not.  I will be as serious as a judge after he has put on the black cap,’ said Maulevrier, seating himself near his grandmother’s couch, and altering his tone altogether.  ’Seriously I am very glad that Hammond has asked Mary to be his wife, and still more glad that she is tremendously in love with him.  I told you some time ago not to put your spoke in that wheel.  There could not be a happier or a better marriage for Mary.’

’You must have rather a poor opinion, of your sister’s attractions, personal or otherwise, if you consider a penniless young man—­of no family—­good enough for her.’

’I do not consider my sister a piece of merchandise to be sold to the highest bidder.  Granted that Hammond is poor and a nobody.  He is an honourable man, highly gifted, brave as a lion, and he is my dearest friend.  Can you wonder that I rejoice at my sister’s having won him for her adoring lover?’

‘Can he really care for her, after having loved Lesbia?’

’That was the desire of the eye, this is the love of the heart.  I know that he loves Mary ever so much better than he loved Lesbia.  I can assure your ladyship that I am not such a fool as I look.  I am very fond of my sister Mary, and I have not been blind to her interests.  I tell you on my honour that she ought to be very happy as John Hammond’s wife.’

‘I am obliged to believe what you say about his character,’ said Lady Maulevrier.  ’And I am willing to admit that the husband’s character has a great deal to do with the wife’s happiness, from a moral point of view; but still there are material questions to be considered.  Has your friend any means of supporting a wife?’

’Yes, he has means; quite sufficient means for Mary’s views, which are very simple.’

’You mean to say he would keep her in decent poverty?  Cannot you be explicit, Maulevrier, and say what means the man has, whether an income or none?  If you cannot tell me I must question Mr. Hammond himself.’

‘Pray do not do that,’ exclaimed her grandson urgently.  ’Do not take all the flavour of romance out of Molly’s love story, by going into pounds, shillings, and pence.  She is very young.  You would hardly wish her to marry immediately?’

‘Not for the next year, at the very least.’