"She is staying with her brother Frank. I and Matilda called at Ham Court just now and brought her with us."
"Did you bring him also?"
"I did not see him; they said he was not in the way. But now why do I mention this?"
"As a bit of gossip for me, I suppose. It's very good of you. My coat and dinner can certainly wait."
"I have brought Miss Dallory here for your sake, Arthur Bohun," was the rejoinder, spoken with emphatic meaning. "She is the young lady you will do well to think of as your future wife."
Madam went out of the room with much stately rustle, and swept downstairs. Another minute, and the door opened again to admit Richard North. Captain Bohun had not progressed further in dressing, or stirred from his place, but was leaning against the window-frame, whistling softly.
"Madam's in a way, is she not?" began Richard, in low tones. "My window was open, Arthur, and I was obliged to catch a word here and there. I made all kinds of noises, but you did not take the hint."
"She didn't; and I would as soon you heard as not," was Captain Bohun's answer. "You are ready, I see, Dick."
"The course of true love never did run smooth, you know," said Richard, laughing.
"And never will. Whenever I read of the old patriarchal days, in which a man had only to fix on a wife and bring her home to his tent; and look on all that has to be considered in these--money, suitability of family, settlements--I wonder whether it can be the same world. Madam need not fear that I have any chance of marrying."