‘Hasn’t he now!’ Mr Melmotte, as he speculated upon it, almost admired the young man’s impudence.

CHAPTER XXIV — MILES GRENDALL’S TRIUMPH

Sir Felix as he walked down to his club felt that he had been checkmated,—­and was at the same time full of wrath at the insolence of the man who had so easily beaten him out of the field.  As far as he could see, the game was over.  No doubt he might marry Marie Melmotte.  The father had told him so much himself, and he perfectly believed the truth of that oath which Marie had sworn.  He did not doubt but that she’d stick to him close enough.  She was in love with him, which was natural; and was a fool,—­which was perhaps also...