‘I will do as I said,’ continued Miss Boncassen.  ’I will do as I have said.  Though I love your brother down to the ground he shall not marry me without his father’s consent.’  Then they returned arm-in-arm close together; but very little was said between them.

When Lady Mary entered the house she was told that Lady Cantrip wished to see her in her own room.

CHAPTER 48

The Party at Custins is Broken Up

The message was given to Lady Mary after so solemn a fashion that she was sure that some important communication was to be made to her.  Her mind at that moment had been filled with her new friend’s story.  She felt that she required some time to meditate before she could determine what she herself would wish; but when she was going to her own room, in order that she might think it over, she was summoned to Lady Cantrip.  ‘My dear,’ said the Countess, ’I wish you to do something to oblige me.’

‘Of course I will.’

‘Lord Popplecourt wants to speak to you.’

‘Who?’

‘Lord Popplecourt.’

‘What can Lord Popplecourt have to say to me?’

’Can you not guess?  Lord Popplecourt is a young nobleman, standing very high in the world, possessed of ample means, just in that position in which it behoves such a man to look about for a wife.’  Lady Mary pressed her lips together, and clenched her two hands.  ’Can you not imagine what such a gentleman may have to say?’ Then there was a pause, but she made no immediate answer.  ‘I am to tell you, my dear, that your father would approve of it.’

‘Approve of what?’

‘He approves of Lord Popplecourt as a suitor for your hand.’

‘How can he?’

’Why not, Mary?  Of course he has made it his business to ascertain all particulars as to Lord Popplecourt’s character and property.’

‘Papa knows that I love somebody else.’

‘My dear Mary, that is all vanity.’

’I don’t think that papa can want to see me married to a man when he knows that with all my heart and soul—­’

‘Oh, Mary!’

‘When he knows,’ continued Mary, who would not be put down, ’that I love another man with all my heart.  What will Lord Popplecourt say if I tell him that?  If he says anything to me, I shall tell him.  Lord Popplecourt!  He cares for nothing but his coal mines.  Of course, if you bid me to see him I will; but it can do no good.  I despise him, and if he troubles me I shall hate him.  As for marrying him,—­I would sooner die this minute.’