“Do you mind very much?” he asked abruptly.
“Well, I—it—You see, I had it fixed in my mind that Piers—and I—So I daresay it will take me just a little while to grow accustomed to it, besides having all my plans overset. But never mind that! We have now to consider what is to be done to help Piers and Lydia.”
“We?” interpolated Sir Richard.
“Yes, because I quite depend on you to persuade Lydia’s Papa that I am not an eligible suitor. That is most important!”
“Do you mean to tell me that this insane person is coming here to obtain my consent to your marriage with his daughter?”
“I think he is coming to discover how much money I have, and whether my intentions are honourable,” said Pen, pouring herself out a cup of coffee. “But I daresay Lydia mistook the whole matter, for she is amazingly stupid, you know, and perhaps he is coming to complain to you about my shocking conduct in meeting Lydia in secret.”
“I foresee a pleasing morning,” said Sir Richard dryly.
“Well, I must say I think it will be very amusing,” Pea admitted. “Because—why, what is the matter, sir?”
Sir Richard had covered his eyes with one hand. “You think it will be very amusing! Good God!”
“Oh, now you are laughing at me again!”