"Never, my dear boy. One mésalliance was enough for him. He has got rid of me, and regained his daughter; but no doubt he intends to repair her mistake by a grand match for Lesley."
"But perhaps she would not marry the man he chose for her?"
Brooke laughed. "Can't answer for Lesley, I don't know her well enough," he said. "Have you any notion, now, that she cares for you?"
Maurice shook his head dismally. "Not in the least. I scarcely think she even likes me. But I mean to try my chance some day."
"I wish you joy," said Lesley's father, with a slight enigmatical smile. "Especially with the Earl of Courtleroy. Hallo! there's the dinner bell. We have wasted all our time talking up here: you'll stay and dine?"
"No, thanks—wish I could, but I must dine with Ethel, and go out directly afterwards."
"When is the marriage to take place?" said Caspar, directing a keen glance to the face of his friend.
"Ethel's? There is nothing settled."
"I say, Maurice, I don't like Trent. He's a slippery customer. I would look after him a bit if I were you, and put Ethel on her guard. I think I am bound to say as much as that."
"Do you think any harm of him?"