“Has a jury decided, then?” asked Culduff.
“No, my Lord; the trial comes on next term. I only repeat the assurance given me by my lawyer; and so far confirmed by him that he has made me large advances, which he well knows I could not repay if I should not gain my cause.”
“These are usually cautious people,” said the Viscount, gravely.
“It strikes me,” said Marion, rising, “that this sort of desultory conversation on a matter of such importance is, to say the least, inconvenient. Even the presence of this gentleman is not sufficient to make me forget that my family have always regarded his pretension as something not very far from a fraud.”
“I regret infinitely, madam,” said Pracontal, bowing low, “that it is not a man has uttered the words just spoken.”
“Lady Culduff's words, sir, are all mine,” said Lord Culduff.
“I thank your Lordship from my heart for the relief you have afforded me.”
“There must be nothing of this kind,” said Lady Augusta, warmly. “If I have been remiss in not making Count Pracontal known to you before, let me repair my error by presenting him now as a gentleman who makes me the offer of his hand.”
“I wish you good-morning,” said Marion. “No, thank you; no luncheon. Your Ladyship has given me fully as much for digestion as I care for. Good-bye.”
“If my congratulations could only shadow forth a vision of all the happiness I wish your Ladyship,” began Lord Culduff.