"In a casual way only. She is a society beauty, and I have met her once or twice; also her very silly mother. The latter is as remarkable for folly as the former is for beauty. Well, Briarfield, and what about Miss Bellin?"
"I was engaged to her."
"You are engaged to her?"
"I said I 'was,'" he replied, with emphasis; "now she is engaged to my brother."
"Of her own free will?"
"I don't know," said Briarfield, "I really don't know. When I went to Chili I was her affianced lover. Now I return and learn that she is to marry my brother."
"What explanation does he make?"
"None as yet. To-night or to-morrow morning he comes here to explain."
"But why here, of all places?"
"Miss Bellin is in Marshminster. Felix is staying there also, and in his letter asked me to see him at the Fen Inn, as he wished to explain his conduct fully before I met Olivia again."