“You are,” said Worth.
The Captain perched himself on the edge of the table. “Very well, Gretna Green let it be! My dear fellow, you’re in love with her yourself! Shall I go away again?”
Worth smiled. “Your vulgarity is only equalled by your conceit, Charles. Tell me now, how have things been with you?”
“All in good time,” said the Captain. “First you shall tell me whether I am to hold off from the heiress.”
“Not at all; why should you? I think you may be quite useful to me. The heiress has a brother.”
“I am not in the least interested in her brother,” objected the Captain.
“Possibly not, but I have a considerable interest in him,” said Worth. He looked the Captain over meditatively. “I think, Charles—I am nearly sure—that you are going to become very friendly with young Peregrine, if he will let you. Unfortunately, he does not like me, and his prejudice may extend to you as well.”
“Alas, alas! Why do you want him to like me?”
“Because,” said the Earl slowly, “I need someone to be in his confidence whom I can trust.”
“Good God! why?” demanded the Captain in lively astonishment.