“Sir Geoffrey and Lady Fairford,” said Peregrine, watching very anxiously to see how this disclosure would be met. “Sir Geoffrey is a member of Brook’s, I believe. They live in Albemarle Street, and have a place near St. Albans. He is a Member of Parliament.”
“They sound most respectable,” said Worth. “Pour yourself out another glass of wine, and tell me how long you have known this family.”
“Oh, a full month!” Peregrine assured him, getting up and going over to the table.
“That is certainly a period,” said the Earl gravely.
“Oh, yes,” said Peregrine, “you need not be afraid that I have just fallen in love yesterday. I am quite sure of my mind in this. A month is fully long enough for that.”
“Or a day, or an hour,” said the Earl musingly.
“Well, to tell you the truth,” confided Peregrine, reddening, “I was sure the instant I set eyes on Miss Fairford, but I waited, because I knew you would only say something cut—” He broke off in some confusion. “I mean—”
“Something cutting,” supplied the Earl. “You were probably right.”
“Well, I daresay you would not have listened to me,” said Peregrine defensively. “But now you must realize that it is perfectly serious. Only, from the circumstances of my being under age, Sir Geoffrey would have it that nothing could be in a way to be settled until your consent was gained.”
“Very proper,” commented the Earl.