“No, not a bit seriously; but we pass the whole morning building these sort of castles in Spain, and the grave way that he entertains such projects ends by making me believe I am actually the owner of Castello and all its belongings.”
“Tell me some of your plans,” said she, with a livelier interest than she had yet shown.
“First of all, reconciliation, if that be its proper name, with all that calls itself Bramleigh. I don't want to be deemed a usurper, but a legitimate monarch. It is to be a restoration.”
“Then you ought to marry Nelly. I declare, that never struck me before.”
“Nor has it yet occurred to me, my Lady,” said he, with a faint show of irritation.
“And why not, sir? Is it that you look higher?”
“I look higher,” said he; and there was a solemn intensity in his air and manner as he spoke.
“I declare, Monsieur de Pracontal, it is scarcely delicate to say this to me.”
“Your Ladyship insists on my being candid, even at the hazard of my courtesy.”
“I do not complain of your candor, sir. It is your—your—”