"No, I did not hear her." But Edina said no more just then.
"Is Mr. Stane often here?" she asked, presently.
"Oh—yes—pretty often," replied Alice with a vivid blush. "He and Charles are good friends. And—and he lives near us, you know."
The blush and the hesitation seemed to hint at a story Edina had not yet glanced at. She had but been wondering whether this young Stane was a desirable companion for Charles: one likely to encourage him in idleness and extravagance, or to turn his ideas towards better things.
"Mr. Stane is older than Charley, Alice."
"Several years older. He is a barrister, and lives at his chambers in the Temple. Just now he is down here a great deal on account of his father's illness."
"Are they rich people?"
"No, I think not. Not very rich. Of course Sir Philip has plenty of money, and he has retired from practice. He used to be a lawyer in the City of London, and was knighted for something or other."
"Is William Stane the only son?"
"He is the second son. The eldest has the law business in the City; and there are two others. One is in the army."