CHAPTER XX.
LESLEY'S LETTER.
"Not a bit of it," said Maurice sturdily. "I speak the words of truth and soberness. I've thought about it for some time."
"A week?"
"I'm in earnest, Brooke. Do you consent?"
"My good man," said Caspar, slowly, "you forget that I am probably the last person in the world whose consent is of any value."
"Pooh!"
"You may say 'pooh' as much as you like, but the fact remains. When Lesley leaves me, say next August or September, she goes to her mother and her grandfather, who's an earl, more's the pity. They have the guardianship, you understand."
"But you have it legally still."