"Yes, I can," she said; "I understand it perfectly."
"You are very kind," he said. As he was about to leave the room he stopped and turned to Mrs. Easterfield. "Is she going to marry Professor Lancaster?" he asked.
"Really, Mr. Hemphill," she replied, "I can not say anything about that. I do not know any more than you do."
"Well, I hope she may," he said. "It would be a burning shame if she were to accept that Austrian; and as for the other little man, he is too ugly. You must excuse me for speaking of your friends in this way, Mrs. Easterfield, but really I should feel dreadfully if I thought I had been set aside for such a queer customer as he is."
Mrs. Easterfield did not laugh then; but when Hemphill had gone, and she had joined her husband, they had a good time together.
"And so they all recommend Lancaster," said he.
"So far," she answered; "but I have yet to hear what Mr. Du Brant has to say."
"I think you have had enough of this discarding business," said Mr. Tom. "You would better leave Du Brant to me."
"Oh, no," said she; "I promised Olive. And, besides, I think I like it."
"I believe you do," said Mr. Tom. "And now I want to say something important. It is not right that Broadstone should be given up entirely to the affairs of Miss Asher and her lovers. I think, for instance, that our friend Fox looks very much dissatisfied."