"I know papa likes him. I knew that from the very first. I think that was the reason why—"
"And I suppose clever people are the best,—that is to say, if they are good."
"And isn't he good?"
"Well—I hope so. Indeed, I'm sure he is. Mr. Orme was a very good young man too;—but it's no good talking about him now."
"Mamma, that never could have come to pass."
"Very well, my dear. It's over now, and of course all that I looked for was your happiness."
"I know that, mamma; and indeed I am very happy. I'm sure I could not ever have liked any one else since I first knew him."
Lady Staveley still thought it very odd, but she had nothing else to say. As regarded the pecuniary considerations of the affair she left them altogether to her husband, feeling that in this way she could relieve herself from misgivings which might otherwise make her unhappy. "And after all I don't know that his ugliness signifies," she said to herself. And so she made up her mind that she would be loving and affectionate to him, and sat up till she heard his footsteps in the passage, in order that she might speak to him, and make him welcome to the privileges of a son-in-law.
"Mr. Graham," she said, opening her door as he passed by.
"Of course she has told you," said Felix.