“And she doesn’t?”
“No,” very shortly. “But I cannot suppose that if he was fully aware of the genuineness of my intentions and knew that my mother would receive her— In short, Jem, another person’s words—”
“Another person? Do you mean me? Answer for mamma? I declare, Hugh, that’s a little too much. You’re going to raise such a row at home as was never heard of, and you want me to help you!”
Hugh said nothing, and James’s momentary perturbation subsided.
“This is good!” he said. “You wanting help! Did you ever live in Oxley, Hugh, or is it all a mistake? ‘Jones at the opera abroad’ is so very unlike ‘Jones at the opera at home.’”
“I am in earnest, Jem,” said Hugh, as James did all the laughing at his own joke.
“It’s a great mistake being in earnest,” said Jem. “Here have you spoilt all your fun by it.”
“I don’t understand you.”
“Why,” said Jem, mischievously. “Of course, Violante was intended to amuse you during your holiday. A little sentiment—study of life.”
“I have asked Mdlle. Mattei to be my wife,” interrupted Hugh, in a tone of high offence.