'Not in the faintest degree,' replied Eleanor. 'He is very clever, very agreeable, and particularly polished and courteous in his manner towards women; a little too polished perhaps,' she added.
'May I ask his name?' said Lady Forestfield. 'Certainly,' said Eleanor, with a smile. 'It is a curious one, but his mother or grandmother--I do not know which--was originally Greek: his name is Spiridion Pratt.'
Lady Forestfield started. 'Spiridion Pratt!' she echoed; 'I think I know him; there could not be two men of that name.'
'O, he knows you,' said Eleanor; 'he has been to your house; he was taken there by Mrs. Hamblin.'
'Exactly,' said Lady Forestfield; 'I remember now.'
'Do you dislike him?' asked Eleanor, looking up astonished at her friend's evident embarrassment.
'I know--I know very little of Mr. Pratt. And it is to him that your sister wishes to marry you?'
'Yes,' said Eleanor. 'And from what little you do know of him, you think I am right in objecting, do you not?'
'I don't say that, dear,' said May, 'but I certainly do not think you are wrong.'