“My fault, my dear brother,” said the major earnestly; “indeed, no. I would not say a word that should interfere with Glynne’s happiness.”
“But you did, sir; you did when she was first engaged.”
“Only to you, Jack. I did not like the engagement, and I don’t like it; but I have always since I got over the first shock—”
“Hang it, Jem, don’t talk like that, man. Anyone would think that you had been stricken down by some terrible trouble.”
“It was and has been a terrible trouble to me, Jack,” said the major quietly. “But there, I have done. Don’t be angry with me. Let’s talk about what you are going to do.”
All this time Sir John had been moving slowly in the direction of The Firs, with the major’s hand resting upon his arm.
“There’s no occasion to talk about it that I see; I’m going to have a few words with that Mr Alleyne, and this I conceive it to be my duty to do. There, there’s an end to it.”
“Well, but is it wise?” said the major. “It seems that Mr Alleyne has formed a deep attachment to Glynne.”
“Such insolence! A man in his position!”
“And, carried away by his feelings, he declared his love for her.”