“No, I certainly did not,” said Lionel.
“The confirmed old bachelor, who could not be bored with a wife, eh?—the lazy old fellow, too selfish to marry, eh?” said his lordship, laughing aloud and rubbing his hands. “Did the wonderful news bring you home?”
“No; I heard for the first time of your marriage, at Brazencrook. When I left India I hardly knew why I left; but I think I shall be able to tell you all about it in due time.”
“Well, no matter; you know you are always welcome, Lionel—always; my home is yours, dear boy.”
“I know that, my dear George,” said Lionel, who again took his brother’s proffered hand, and shook it heartily.
“You will find your old room in the old place,” said the Earl. “No change there, except perhaps a little extra decoration. When you are ready, come to me in the library, and you shall have an introduction to your sister-in-law.”
“Delighted to renew the lady’s acquaintance in her new and distinguished position,” said Lionel, leaving his brother smiling and nodding at the foot of the principal staircase.
The old room was in the old place, at the end of the picture gallery, and Lionel found no change there for the worse. He found Morris there unpacking his portmanteaus; and he joked with the old fellow, and asked him when he would be married. Morris thought the jest rather grim, and said it was certainly time for him to think about it, now that his lordship had taken a wife.
“Her ladyship is pretty, Morris, is she not?” said Lionel, taking off his coat and throwing the window up.
“Very pretty, and as amiable as can be, too,” said Morris.