"No; although I do three acrostics a week, I'm still fairly sane. What have you to say against her? She is a lady, she is beautiful, and she is good. What more would you have?"
"Well, since you ask me, I would have a little money, and, my dear Brian! think of her family! Think of your mother-in-law! Think of your grandmother-in-law!"
"At present," he replied with the utmost composure, "I am not disposed to think of anyone but Verona, and if it comes to that, why don't you ask me to think of my father and my step-mother? My father married to please himself, and I shall certainly do the same."
"I had not the smallest suspicion of this," murmured Mrs. Lepell, opening and shutting her fan, with a meditative air.
"Has it not occurred to you that I have been a good deal at Manora of late?"
"Yes."
"To what did you attribute that?"
"To a natural desire to see me, your Aunt Liz, your mother's only sister. You know you are rather fond of your Aunt Liz."
"I am," he assented, and he laid his hand in hers, "and as it was certainly my Aunt Liz who first drew my attention to Verona Chandos, she has only to thank herself for the result."
"I am much attached to Verona myself; she is a dear, good girl; her beautiful face is but the outer shell of a beautiful, unselfish soul. Still, in spite of her mind and form, and much as I love her, I do not desire her as a niece. I know there is no use in arguing with you, Brian. What will be, will be. Your mind is made up, you will ask her to marry you, possibly within the hour."