"Well;—yes I have," said Stanbury, feeling that dislike to speak of his sister which is common to most brothers when in company with other men.
"I suppose you've heard of it, and, as I was in the middle of it all, of course I couldn't but know all about it too. Your aunt wanted him to marry your sister."
"So I was told."
"But your sister didn't see it," said Brooke.
"So I understand," said Stanbury. "I believe my aunt was exceedingly liberal, and meant to do the best she could for poor Dorothy; but, if she didn't like him, I suppose she was right not to have him," said Hugh.
"Of course she was right," said Brooke, with a good deal of enthusiasm.
"I believe Gibson to be a very decent sort of fellow," said Stanbury.
"A mean, paltry dog," said Brooke. There had been a little whisky-toddy after the oysters, and Mr. Burgess was perhaps moved to a warmer expression of feeling than he might have displayed had he discussed this branch of the subject before supper. "I knew from the first that she would have nothing to say to him. He is such a poor creature!"
"I always thought well of him," said Stanbury, "and was inclined to think that Dolly might have done worse."
"It is hard to say what is the worst a girl might do; but I think she might do, perhaps, a little better."