“No! I have been to him. He is overjoyed at my representations, but considers it his duty to ask the consent of his parents. Of course they will not give it; and if there be delay, she will retract. She is under the influence of passions on the duration of which there is no reliance.”
“What passions? Love?”
“Love; but not for Hazeldean. The passions that bring her to accept his hand are pique and jealousy. She believes, in a word, that one who seems to have gained the mastery over her affections with a strange suddenness, is but blind to her charms because dazzled by Violante’s. She is prepared to aid in all that can give her rival to Peschiera; and yet, such is the inconsistency of woman” (added the young philosopher, with a shrug of the shoulders), “that she is also prepared to lose all chance of securing him she loves, by bestowing herself on another!”
“Woman, indeed, all over!” said the baron, tapping his snuff-box (Louis Quinze), and regaling his nostrils with a scornful pinch. “But who is the man whom the fair Beatrice has thus honoured? Superb creature! I had some idea of her myself when I bought up her debts; but it might have embarrassed me, in more general plans, as regards the count. All for the best. Who’s the man? Not Lord L’Estrange?”
“I do not think it is he; but I have not yet ascertained. I have told you all I know. I found her in a state so excited, so unlike herself, that I had no little difficulty in soothing her into confidence so far. I could not venture more.”
“And she will accept Frank?”
“Had he offered to-day she would have accepted him!”
“It may be a great help to your fortunes, mon cher, if Frank Hazeldean marry this lady without his father’s consent. Perhaps he may be disinherited. You are next of kin.
“How do you know that?” asked Randal, sullenly.
“It is my business to know all about the chances and connections of any one with whom I do money matters. I do money matters with young Mr. Hazeldean; so I know that the Hazeldean property is not entailed; and, as the squire’s half-brother has no Hazeldean blood in him, you have excellent expectations.”