Nevertheless, Bruce had not shown upon the scene since, so that they could not convey to him the intelligence when Isabel Forrester wrote from Paris to communicate her marriage.

Guy went to Mr. Raymond as a plenipotentiary from the recently allied powers, to obtain, if possible, fair conditions of peace.  His uncle was breakfasting alone, and received him with perfect good-temper.

“My dear boy,” he said, “it was a match of your poor aunt’s making, not mine.  If she had lived to see it broken off, I think she would have been very much provoked. (He gave a slight shudder of reminiscence here, and finished his chocolate.) But they say there is no marrying or giving in marriage where she is gone, so let us hope it will not seriously affect her now.  As to me, I have never been angry since I was twenty-two.  Personally, I very much prefer Forrester to Bruce as a connection.  I should have allowed Bella L300 a year, and I suppose the necessary outfit and presents would have cost me about L500.  I will do just the same now—­neither more nor less.  You can tell Charley he may draw for the last sum and for the first quarter when he pleases.  They had better travel for a year or so, I think, till the people have stopped talking about them.  Charley will sell out, of course?”

“His papers are sent in,” Guy replied.

“Just so,” Raymond went on.  “If they are in a pleasant place, I may very likely go and see them this summer.  Suggest Hombourg.  I should like to try the waters.  And tell Charley not to go about too much alone after nightfall.  The deserted one is capable of laying a trap for him.  I didn’t like his look when I saw him last.  That is all, I think.  Do you go to Lady Featherstone’s to-night?”

Raymond appeared at his clubs and elsewhere with a face so impenetrably cheerful and complacent that his bitterest friend dared not venture on a condolence.

CHAPTER XIX.

     “Tu mihi, tu certe (memini), Graecine, negabas,
     Uno posse aliquem tempore amare duas.”

When I had heard all this, I questioned Guy about his own affairs.  He was not very communicative, though he seemed perfectly happy and hopeful as to the future.  He said that his marriage was not to take place till the autumn, when Miss Brandon’s brother (they were orphans) was expected to return from India.  I could not help asking what Flora Bellasys thought of it.

Livingstone bit his lip and frowned slightly as he answered, “Well, there was a scene—­rather a tempestuous one, to speak the truth, but we are perfectly good friends now.  I wonder if she ever really expected me to marry her?  She is the most amusing person alive to flirt with, but as for serious measures—­” He shrugged his shoulders expressively.  “Perhaps she has something to complain of; but if she has any conscience at all, she ought to recognize the lex talionis.”