"I'm not interested in Brigston. I am in Hampton."
"And we are all glad that it is so. But, I see—I've always been afraid of it; you are going to try and get us all over to St. Perpetua, ha! ha!"
"And does Hampton really believe——?"
"Only what is true. I must be off to my lecture now; we must have it out some other time. How's the Bishop? Fine fellow; wish we had him. Good-bye; Mrs. Burley will be delighted to see you," and the doctor waved the lady into the house and made his escape.
Having no desire to call upon Mrs. Burley, the lady of Stormpoint remained in the vestibule only long enough for the gentleman to get away; she then descended the steps and was about to enter her carriage, when she was accosted by Dr. Stanley, who, after the usual salutations, asked her if she had seen Leonard recently.
"I am about to call on him now—on unpleasant business."
"That's a pity. You'll wish you had stayed at home. I have just left him; he's as cross as three sticks, which I suppose are crosser than the proverbial two."
"I suppose because the newspapers are still nagging him."
"Perhaps; yet if you could manage a confidential talk with Mrs. Leonard, it might be a good thing."
"Ah! You've noticed that there's domestic trouble? I have suspected it. Why was he willing to stay away from Newport? Why was his wife reluctant to come home?"