‘Yes. I found him in the vestry of his church, and reminded him that we had met before.’
‘Just so,’ said the young man; ‘but now I want you to tell me, as you promised to do, exactly what you know about him. I’ve put this and that together, and I suppose there used to be something between you. Is it anything which gives you a hold upon the scoundrel now?’
‘Perhaps,’ she replied quietly. ‘However, I’ve made up my mind not to tell you anything more at present.’
‘But you promised,’ said the young man, scowling.
‘I dare say I did, but ladies’ promises are seldom kept, mon cher. Besides, what do you want me to tell, and, above all, what am I to get by siding with you against him?’
‘If you can do or say anything to convince my cousin he is a rascal,’ said George eagerly, ‘if you can make her break off her friendship with him, my father would pay you any amount of money.’
‘I’m not hard up, or likely to be. Money is of no consequence. Really, I think this is no affair of mine.’
‘But what’s the mystery?’ demanded the other. ‘I mean to find out, whether you tell me or not; and I have my suspicions, mind you! Dottie Destrange tells me that you were once married. Is that true? and is this the man? I’d give a thousand pounds to hear you answer, “yes.”’
Mrs. Montmorency smiled, and then laughed aloud, while George Craik continued:
‘Even if you could show that you and Bradley once lived together, I think it would serve the purpose. I know my cousin’s temper. She thinks the fellow a saint, but if he were once degraded in her opinion, she would throw him over like a shot.’