Mr. Westruther helped himself to a pinch from the elegant gold box. “Some hint of this, I must own, coz, had reached my ears,” he said gravely.
“Surprised you didn’t go to Arnside, then,” said Freddy.
Mr. Westruther raised his brows. “But what made you think me a gazetted fortune-hunter, Freddy?”
“Oh, I don’t know about that!” said Freddy vaguely. “Daresay people took it for granted you and Kit would make a match of it. Thought myself the old gentleman meant to leave the blunt to you. Well, you did too, didn’t you? Been living on the expectancy for years!”
Mr. Westruther said appreciatively: “Well done, Freddy! A hit! I didn’t go to Arnside because I have the oddest dislike of having my hand forced. Our revered great-uncle’s whims are not unamusing, but this one goes beyond the line of what may be tolerated. When I go into wedded shackles it will be in my own time, and in my own fashion.”
“Good notion—if the thing comes off right,” agreed Freddy. “Trouble is, can’t be sure it will!”
His cousin laughed. “I’ll take my chance of that!”
Freddy was well aware of Mr. Westruther’s many conquests. While he was far from understanding why nine females out of ten were so foolish as to fall in love with one who, if not a downright rake, was certainly the most accomplished flirt in town, this was not a question which had previously exercised his mind. Tonight, for the first time, he was nettled by Jack’s assurance; and instead of thinking that it was rather cork-brained of Kitty to hoax Jack, along with all the rest, he suddenly realized that had he been free to tell the truth he would not have done it. Time Jack had a set-down! A certain suspicion beginning to take shape in his mind, he said: “Wish you good fortune! Glad I met you tonight: wanted to tell you! Devilish grateful to you, coz! Never thought there was any chance for me in that quarter: shouldn’t have gone to Arnside if you hadn’t given me a nudge!”
If he had hoped to have confounded his cousin, he was disappointed. There was certainly an arrested look in Mr. Westruther’s face, but he only cocked an eyebrow, and said: “Can it be that I am to wish you happy?”
“That’s it,” replied Freddy. “Mind, we ain’t puffing it off yet, because the old gentleman don’t like it above half, but it’s known in the family.”