“And he is coming here?”
“Yes, next week. Of course I need not tell you what is in my thoughts. I object to match-making, as a rule. I shall put no pressure upon Monica of any kind, but if those two should by chance learn to love one another, I could say my ‘Nunc dimittis’ at any time.”
Lady Diana looked very thoughtful.
“Monica is undoubtedly beautiful,” she said, “and she is interesting, which perhaps is better.” Her brother, however, made no reply, and as he did not appear inclined to discuss the matter farther—they were seldom in entire accord in talking of Monica—she presently rose and quitted the room, saying softly to herself as she did so, “I should love to see that proud girl with a husband’s strong hand over her.”
That evening, when alone with his daughter, Lord Trevlyn introduced the topic most in his thoughts at that time.
“Monica, do you never want a little variety? What should you say to a visitor at Trevlyn?”
“I would try to make one comfortable. Are you expecting anyone, father?”
“Yes, a kinsman of ours: Mr. Trevlyn, whose acquaintance I wish to make.”
“Who is he? I never heard of him before.”
“No; I have not known much about him myself till lately, when circumstances made him my heir. Monica, have you ever thought what will happen at Trevlyn in the event of my death?”