"You—why, what have you to do with it?"
"A great deal—so much so that I positively forbid it; but, Miss Dunstable—"
"Well, Mr Gresham?"
"We will contrive to make up for the deficiency as well as possible, if you will permit us to do so. Now for myself—"
"Well, for yourself?"
At this moment the countess gleamed her accomplished eye round the table, and Miss Dunstable rose from her chair as Frank was preparing his attack, and accompanied the other ladies into the drawing-room.
His aunt, as she passed him, touched his arm lightly with her fan, so lightly that the action was perceived by no one else. But Frank well understood the meaning of the touch, and appreciated the approbation which it conveyed. He merely blushed, however, at his own dissimulation; for he felt more certain that ever that he would never marry Miss Dunstable, and he felt nearly equally sure that Miss Dunstable would never marry him.
Lord de Courcy was now at home; but his presence did not add much hilarity to the claret-cup. The young men, however, were very keen about the election, and Mr Nearthewinde, who was one of the party, was full of the most sanguine hopes.
"I have done one good at any rate," said Frank; "I have secured the chorister's vote."
"What! Bagley?" said Nearthewinde. "The fellow kept out of my way, and I couldn't see him."