Later, Lady Mary sought John Crewys in the smoking-room. He sprang up, smiled at her, and held out his hand.
"So Peter has been confiding his schemes to you?"
"How did you know?"
"I only guessed. When a man seeks a tête-à-tête so earnestly, it is generally to talk about himself. Did the schemes include—Sarah?"
"They include Sarah—marriage—travelling—London—change of every kind."
"Already!" cried John, "Bravo, Peter! and hurray for one-and-twenty!
And you are free?"
"Oh, no; I am not to be free."
"What! Do his schemes include you?"
"Not altogether."
"That is surely illogical, if yours are to include him?"