‘You have known that dear Armine a long time?’
‘It seems a long time,’ said Miss Temple.
‘If he dies, and die he must, I do not think I shall ever be in very good spirits again,’ said the Count. ‘It is the only thing that would quite upset me. Now do not you think, Miss Temple, that our cher Armine is the most interesting person you ever met?’
‘I believe Captain Armine is admired by all those who know him.’
‘He is so good, so tender, and so clever. Lord Montfort, he knows him very well?’
‘They were companions in boyhood, I believe; but they have resumed their acquaintance only recently.’
‘We must interest Lord Montfort in his case. Lord Montfort must assist in our endeavours to bring him out a little.’
‘Lord Montfort needs no prompting, Count. We are all alike interested in Captain Armine’s welfare.’
‘I wish you would try to find out what is on his mind,’ said Count Mirabel. ‘After all, men cannot do much. It requires a more delicate sympathy than we can offer. And yet I would do anything for the cher Armine, because I really love him the same as if he were my brother.’
‘He is fortunate in such a friend.’