"To say the truth," said the young man, while a swarthier glow crossed his dark features. "I was just about to start for Morley Court, to see Sir Richard Ashwoode."
"About his daughter, I take it?" inquired the old gentleman.
"Just so, sir," replied the younger man.
"Then you may spare yourself the pains," rejoined the old gentleman, briskly. "You are better at home. You have been forestalled."
"What—how, sir? What do you mean?" asked O'Connor, in great perplexity and alarm.
"Just what I say, my boy. You have been forestalled."
"By whom, sir?"
"By me."
"By you?"
"Ay."