"My dear Leycester, I congratulate you!" exclaimed Charlie, wringing his hand and beaming joyously. "'Pon my word, this is the—the happiest thing we've come across for many a day! By George!"
And having dropped Leycester's hand, he seized that of the earl, and wrung that, and would in turn have seized the countess's, had she not given it to him of her own free will.
"We have to thank you in some measure for this, Charles," she said, in a low voice, and with a grateful smile.
Leycester leant against the mantel-shelf, his hands behind him, his face set and thoughtful, almost absent, indeed. He had the appearance of a man in a dream.
The earl roused him with a word or two.
"This is very good news, Leycester."
"I am very glad you are pleased, sir," said Leycester, quietly.
"I am more than pleased, I am delighted," responded the earl, in his quiet way. "I may say that it is the fulfillment of a hope I have cherished for some time. I trust, more, I believe, you will be happy. If you are not," he added, with a smile, "it will be your own fault."
Leycester smiled grimly.
"No doubt, sir," he said.