"Your intentions, papa. You mean to give the living of Briarsleigh to the son of your old tutor."
"I have some thoughts of doing so, Dora—at least of making him the offer, although I have had more than one letter on the subject."
"Has Dr. Halford written to you?"
"No, my dear, he is not a man likely to do so; yet I know the doctor's son is ordained. I saw his name in the list of ordinations. The old rector of Kilburn has given him a title."
"Is this son the clever little boy you became acquainted with when you visited Dr. Halford after his daughter's marriage?"
"Yes, his youngest and only surviving son, and I have no doubt clever and talented as a man."
"Is the living of Briarsleigh a valuable one, papa?"
Again the earl smiled.
"Why, Dora, you are taking as much interest in this young clergyman as you did in the marriage of his sister so many years ago."
Lady Dora did not blush as she had done when, at seventeen, her father had remarked her girlish interest in Fanny Halford's marriage, but she replied—