"Of all people, Mr. Vanbrugh, I should think," Dolly answered. "Think of what he has done, how devoted he has been in all this trouble. And then, the way she spoils him! Any one can see that she is ready to fall in love with him. If she were not as good as—as anything can be—as spring water and snow drops and angels' prayers, so to say, she would be in love with him already. But then, she is, you know."
"I cannot imagine a woman being in love with Vanbrugh," said Brett impatiently.
"Oh, can't you? I can. I thought he was your best friend."
"What has that to do with it? My best friend might be deaf and lame and blind of one eye."
"Also, he might not," said Dolly with a smile.
"Oh, well!" exclaimed Brett, turning away, "if you have made up your mind that Mrs. Darche is to marry Russell Vanbrugh, of course I have nothing to say. I daresay people would think it a very good match."
"With John Darche alive and in the Penitentiary?" inquired the young girl, instantly taking the opposite tack.
"As though any one could care or ask what became of him!" cried Brett, with something like indignation. "Thank heaven we are just in this country! We do not visit the sins of the blackguard upon the innocent woman he leaves behind him. Fortunately, there are no children. The very name will be forgotten, and Mrs. Darche can begin life over again."
"Whoever marries her will have to take old Mr. Darche as an incumbrance," remarked Dolly.
"Of course! Do you suppose that such a woman would leave the poor old gentleman to be taken care of by strangers? Besides, he is a beggar. He has not so much as pocket-money for his cigars. Of course Mr. Darche will stay with them. After all, it will not be so bad. He is very quiet and cheerful, and never in the way."