“Of course, of course, a very sensible arrangement. They’ve always been friends and it’s been as good as settled ever since they were children.”
“Settled by the families?” asked Delaven.
“Exactly––a good old custom that is ignored too often these days,” said Mr. Loring, promptly. “Who is so fit to decide such things for children as their parents and guardians? That boy’s father and me talked over this affair before the children ever knew each other. Of course he laughed over the question at the time, but when he died and suggested me as the boy’s guardian, I knew he thought well of it and depended on me, and it will come off right as soon as this war is over––all right.”
“A very good method for this country of the old French cavaliers,” remarked Delaven, in a low tone, to the girl, “but the lads and lassies of Ireland have to my mind found a better.”
Evilena looked up inquiringly.
“Well, don’t you mean to tell me what it is?” she asked, as he appeared to have dropped the subject. He laughed at the aggrieved tone she assumed.
“Whist! There are mystical rites due to the telling, and it goes for nothing when told in a crowd.”
“You have got clear away from Kenneth,” she reminded him, hastily. “Did you mean that he was––well, in love with this magnificent Marquise?”
Low as she tried to speak, the words reached Loring, who listened, and Delaven, glancing across, perceived that he listened.
“In love with the Marquise? Bless your heart, we were all of course.”