“A scoundrel!”
“No, he is not a scoundrel, Jack. It will upset his little sister.”
“A confounded jade!” cried Sir John. “If I had known what I know now, the minx should never have entered my doors.”
“Steady, Jack.”
“I am steady, sir. A little heartless flirt, setting her cap at every man she sees. Rolph won’t own to it, but I have it on very good authority that the poor fellow could not stir without that vixen being on the watch for him, and meeting him somewhere.”
The major was silent.
“And all the time she knew that he was engaged to Glynne, and she was professing to be the best of friends to the poor child.”
The major drew his breath very hard.
“There, you’d better be off now, Jem,” cried Sir John. “I’m going just to let that fellow Alleyne have a bit of my mind, and then I shall be better.”
“But Mrs Alleyne is a most estimable lady. Had you not better give the matter up? Let it slide, my dear Jack. These troubles soon die a natural death.”