"In plain words, he's a heartless flirt," answered Leonard, impatiently. "He has been fooled by a pack of women—pretends to be dying of consumption—gives himself no end of airs. He has flirted outrageously with you. Has he proposed?"
"No——not exactly," faltered Dopsy.
"Some one ought to bring him to the scratch. Your brother must tackle him."
"Don't you think if—if—Jack were to say anything—were just to hint that I was being made very unhappy—that such marked attentions before all the world put me in a false position—don't you think it might do harm?"
"Quite the contrary. It would do good. No man ought to trifle with a girl's feelings in that way. No man shall be allowed to do it in my house. If Jack won't speak to him, I will."
"Oh, Mr. Vandeleur, what a noble heart you have—what a true friend you have always been to us."
"You are my friend's sister—my wife's guest. I won't see you trifled with."
"And you really think his attentions have been marked?"
"Very much marked. He shall not be permitted to amuse himself at your expense. There he sits, talking sentiment to my wife—just as he has talked sentiment to you. Why doesn't he keep on the safe side, and confine his attentions to married women?"
"You are not jealous of him?" asked Dopsy, with some alarm.