At the last words, Anthony Pennell pricked up his ears.
“A passion for old china!” he exclaimed, “then there must be some good in her! Cannot you give me an introduction to the Red House on the plea that I am a connoisseur and am desirous of seeing her collection?”
“Of course I can, but how can you approach these people in amity, with a censure of Miss Brandt’s conduct in your hand? Madame Gobelli is infatuated with Harriet Brandt! I was telling poor Elinor only this afternoon, that I should not be at all surprised if she were at the bottom of all this unpleasantness.”
“She could not be at the bottom of anything unless Ralph had given her cause,” replied Mr. Pennell, who had never had a good opinion of his cousin’s straightforward dealing, “and however it may turn out, I should think he would have a heavy reckoning to settle with Miss Leyton! This is not the first time, remember! You have not forgotten the trouble Arthur had to get him out of that scrape with the laundress’s girl at Aldershot, the year before last!”
“Yes! Arthur told me about it,” replied Margaret. “But you are going to help us, this time, Mr. Pennell, are you not?”
“In so far as procuring an introduction to the Baroness, and taking my opportunity to let her know the true state of affairs with Miss Leyton, yes,” said Mr. Pennell, “but there, my responsibility must cease. Should Ralph have committed himself in writing, or anything of that sort, you must promise to let them fight it out their own way. I daresay there will be no trouble about the matter. I can see how it has occurred at a glance. Ralph has been merely amusing himself with the girl, and she has taken his philandering in earnest. But I wish he would leave that sort of thing off. It will ruin his married life if he does not!”
“Yes! indeed, and Elinor Leyton really loves him, more, I am sure, than he imagines. She declared this afternoon, that if it were not put a complete stop to, she should break off her engagement. And I think she would be right!”
“So do I,” acquiesced Anthony Pennell. “Well! if these people are ordinarily decent, they will, as soon as they hear the truth, prevent their young friend interfering with another woman’s rights. Write me the introduction, Mrs. Pullen, and I will pay the Red House a visit as soon as its owner gives me leave. And now let us talk of something pleasanter. How soon do you expect Arthur to arrive?”
“Any day,” replied Margaret, “and I am longing so for him to come!”
“Of course you are! Will he remain long in England?”