“I thought he had been a very distressed man, that young Beltravers,” said the aid-de-camp.
“And if he were, that would not prevent my being his friend, sir,” said Beauclerc.
“Of course,” said the aid-de-camp, “I only asked.”
“He is a man of genius and feeling,” continued Beauclerc, turning to Lady Davenant.
“But I never heard you mention Lord Beltravers before. How long has he been your friend?” said Lady Davenant.
Beauclerc hesitated. The general without hesitation answered, “Three weeks and one day.”
“I do not count my friendship by days or weeks,” said Beauclerc.
“No, my dear Beauclerc,” said the general: “well would it be for you if you would condescend to any such common-sense measure.” He rose from the breakfast-table as he spoke, and rang the bell to order the horses.
“You are prejudiced against Beltravers, general; but you will think better of him, I am sure, when you know him.”
“You will think worse of him when you know him, I suspect,” replied the general.