"I know that he has a castle near my uncle's place."
"Cove Castle," snapped Sir Simon. "All the county knows that. But he never comes near the place. Did you meet Lord Conniston at Miss Plantagenet's, Julius?"
"I have never met him at all," rejoined the meek young man stiffly, "and I have been to Miss Plantagenet's only in the company of Bernard."
"Aha!" chuckled Sir Simon. "You did not fall in love with that girl?"
"No, uncle. Of course I am engaged to Miss Randolph."
"You can call her 'Lucy' to a near relative like myself," said the baronet, dryly. "Do you know Miss Malleson, Durham?"
"No. I have not that pleasure."
"But no doubt Bernard has told you about her."
Durham shook his head. "I have not seen Gore for months."
"Are you sure? He inherits a little money from his father; and you—"