“Because they are my guests, and stay as long as they like.”
“And are doing their very best to undermine your happiness.”
“Nonsense, man.”
“Dick, old fellow, answer me honestly. Don’t you care a great deal for that little girl up at Tolcarne?”
There was a few moments’ pause, during which the colour came into Trevor’s cheek.
“Honestly, I do,” he said at last. “Well, and what of that?”
“Well, Dick, are you blind? Van’s making all the play that he can, and father and aunt favour him. He’s there nearly every day. He’s there now.”
Trevor gave a start, and turned round to face his friend, his lips twitching and fingers working; but he burst out laughing the next moment.
“Anything else, Franky?”
“Laugh away,” said Pratt, who looked nettled—“only give me credit for my warning when you find I am right.”