"But I don't see of what use such a plan would be to him, Belinda."
"Well, I've an idea in my head, I tell you. I have kept my eyes open, and I fancy I see a chance for Ancram."
"You are very mysterious, my dear!" said Lord Seely, with a little shrug.
"Well, least said, soonest mended. I shall be mysterious a little longer. And, meanwhile, I think we might make him the offer to take him to Switzerland with us, since you have no objection."
"I have no objection, certainly."
"I think I shall mention it to him, then. And, if I were you, I wouldn't bother the duke about him just yet."
"But what is this notion of yours, Belinda?"
The exclamation rose to my lady's lips, "How inquisitive men are!" but she suppressed it. It was the kind of speech which particularly angered Lord Seely, who much disliked being lumped in with his fellow-creatures on the ground of common qualities. Even a compliment, so framed that my lord was supposed to share it with a number of other persons, would have displeased him. So my lady said, "Well, now, Valentine, you'll begin to laugh at me, very likely, but I believe I'm right. I think Castalia is very well inclined to like this young fellow. And she might do worse."
"Castalia! Like him? Why, you don't mean——?"
"Yes, I do," returned my lady, nodding her head. "That's just what I do mean. I'm sure, the other evening, she became quite sentimental about him."