She could not help laughing. His eyes began to dance; he said outrageously: “You must let me tell you that in all my experience of heiresses I have never till to-day encountered one who did not give me a nightmare. You have restored my faith in miracles, Miss Taverner!”
“If you expose yourself any further, Miss Taverner will ask to have her carriage spoken for immediately,” observed the Earl.
“Not at all,” she replied. “I am happy to think I do not give Captain Audley nightmares.” She moved towards the door. “You will have so much to say to each other! I will leave you.”
She was gone on the words. Captain Audley closed the door behind her and turned to look at the Earl. “Julian, you dog! you’ve kept her mighty dark! Are you engaged to her?”
“No,” said Worth. “I am not.”
“You must be mad!” declared the Captain. “Don’t tell me you mean to let all that wealth and beauty slip through your fingers! I have a very good mind to try for her myself.”
“Do so, by all means. You won’t succeed, but it may keep you out of mischief.”
“Ah, don’t be too sure!” grinned the Captain. “You know nothing about it, my boy.”
“I know a great deal about it,” retorted Worth. “I am her guardian.”
“Well, upon my word!” exclaimed Captain Audley. “Am I to understand you would forbid the banns?”