He pricked his ears, and asked mendaciously—
“The Lady Fanny I met here?”
“Yes. You know she is Lord Milborough’s sister. Do you remember the clergyman, Mr Elliot, who was also here?”
“Yes. I thought—perhaps—?”
Millie laughed.
“It is wonderful, but true. He is the last man I should have suspected Fanny would have chosen. But do not speak of it, for nothing is settled yet, and Lord Milborough will not say anything definitely.”
“He can stop it?”
“Only for a year, but Fanny would hate to go against him.”
He was willing enough to talk about Lord Milborough and Thorpe.
“So that, after all, it may come to nothing. Poor Mr Elliot!”