'I told the person (it was not Brian) that my Melbourne cousins were nearer kin to you than I,—I am only a stepniece, though we have the same surname,—and also that you have resolved to leave your fortune to charities, as you told me by letter. All the same, I was foolishly nervous lest you might misunderstand me; so I assured you, too bluntly, that I am quite happy with Mrs. Arderne, and enjoy earning my own living.'
The frown had gone from the squire's brow. It was with a serene smile that he asked, pressing Catherine's hand:
'And I may believe without undue vanity, that you wanted to see the old uncle again for his own sake?'
'Yes; yes, indeed!'
'Now tell me about this Brian. Is he worthy of you?'
'Of course he is!'
'That reply was expected.'
'You mustn't tease me, if you want to hear about my first and last romance!'
Catherine was not used to speaking much about herself, so it was the relation of Brian North's merits, talents, and history which she told Uncle Ross, rather than the story of how she had learned to love this man to whom her promise was plighted.
The squire paid most attention to the description of Brian's abilities; in fact, the moneyed gentleman was trying to calculate the author's worth by estimating his possible financial success or failure.