"It will not make much difference. We are to go to Monterey, and so are the Planters."
Mrs. Frampton gave a gesture of impatience. "Do they do it on purpose?"
"No. Mordy does it on purpose. I knew it all along. But we are powerless, aunty. There is nothing for it but to yield with a good grace. If this thing is to be, it will be, and we must make the best of it. Neither Mr. Planter nor you will be able to prevent it. But I don't feel at all sure that the girl means to marry him."
"I hope to Heaven she doesn't!" ejaculated her aunt, and at the same moment Mordaunt entered with an open letter in his hand.
"This is the third blackguard anonymous letter I have received about the Planters," he said, as he pitched it into the fire. "Of course, it doesn't affect me one way or another. It is curious the writer should think an Englishman would pay any attention to such cowardly attacks on his friends. I should like to tell old Planter, but, of course, it's better not." Then he poked fiercely at the fire. There was a pause. Neither his aunt nor Grace chose to ask what the letters contained. But, after a moment, Mrs. Frampton said,
"When are you going on to Monterey? Soon, I hope?"
"Well, the Planters talk of going next week. I thought, if you don't mind, we might as well wait, and travel down with them."
"Why not go before them? I don't like arriving and departing together like a travelling troupe. And I don't like your being herded with all those men who crowd round Miss Planter. It is not dignified. You had far better leave the young lady a few days' uninterrupted enjoyment of her Californian admirers."
Mordaunt winced. "Miss Planter cares nothing for them or their admiration, I am sure. She has known many of them since she was a child. It is their way. It seems odd to you, aunt, but it means nothing."
"Oh! I don't pretend to understand their ways, only I don't admire them, that is all. And I particularly dislike your being mixed up with men who are as likely as not to pick a quarrel with you. They are all jealous of you. Under their smiling manner I can see that. That dreadful Bloxsome is the only one who has the courage to be downright rude. If you take my advice you will not prolong the situation."