“There is no doubt on earth about that,” said Mary.  “And they say that Bernard Dale is going abroad with his regiment.”

Then John discussed with his mother his duties as private secretary, and his intention of leaving Mrs Roper’s house.  “I suppose it isn’t nice enough for you now, John,” said his mother.

“It never was very nice, mother, to tell you the truth.  There were people there—­ But you mustn’t think I am turning up my nose because I’m getting grand.  I don’t want to live any better than we all lived at Mrs Roper’s; but she took in persons that were not agreeable.  There is a Mr and Mrs Lupex there.”  Then he described something of their life in Burton Crescent, but did not say much about Amelia Roper.  Amelia Roper had not made her appearance in Guestwick, as he had once feared that she would do; and therefore it did not need that he should at present make known to his mother that episode in his life.

When he got back to the Manor House he found that Mr Dale and his niece had arrived.  They were both sitting with Lady Julia when he went into the morning room, and Lord De Guest was standing over the fire talking to them.  Eames as he came among them felt terribly conscious of his position, as though all there were aware that he had been brought down from London on purpose to make a declaration of love;—­as, indeed, all of them were aware of that fact.  Bell, though no one had told her so in direct words, was as sure of it as the others.

“Here comes the prince of matadores,” said the earl.

“No, my lord; you’re the prince.  I’m only your first follower.”  Though he could contrive that his words should be gay, his looks were sheepish, and when he gave his hand to the squire it was only by a struggle that he could bring himself to look straight into the old man’s face.

“I’m very glad to see you, John,” said the squire, “very glad indeed.”

“And so am I,” said Bell.  “I have been so happy to hear that you have been promoted at your office, and so is mamma.”

“I hope Mrs Dale is quite well,” said he;—­“and Lily.”  The word had been pronounced, but it had been done with so manifest an effort that all in the room were conscious of it, and he paused as Bell prepared her little answer.

“My sister has been very ill, you know,—­with scarlatina.  But she has recovered with wonderful quickness, and is nearly well again now.  She will be so glad to see you if you will go over.”

“Yes; I shall certainly go over,” said John.

“And now shall I show you your room, Miss Dale?” said Lady Julia.  And so the party was broken up, and the ice had been broken.

CHAPTER LIII

Loquitur Hopkins