"Not a whit!" he answered, striking his boot with his whip and looking round the room as if he seldom entered it. "I've had it, you know. I've also had the whole story of your adventures from Betty, whom I met as I was going to my room."
She was agitated; he was at his ease. "I am sorry that we managed so clumsily," she murmured.
"So bravely, I think," he answered lightly; and then, looking round, "This is your part of the house, you know, Sophia. You must make what changes you please here."
"Thank you," she said. "You are very good."
"These rooms have been little used since my mother's death," he continued, again surveying them. "So I have no doubt they want refurnishing. You must talk it over with Lady Betty. And that reminds me, I saw your brother slipping away a few minutes ago, and he had something--the air of following her." And Sir Hervey laughed and sat down on one of the stiff-backed chairs. "For my part, I think he ought to be told," he continued, tapping the toe of his boot with his whip.
Sophia smiled faintly. "You think he is taken with her?"
"Who would not be?" Sir Hervey answered bluntly. "Maid or mistress, he'll be head over ears in love with her before twenty-four hours are out!"
Sophia sat down. "It's her fancy that he should not know," she said languidly. "Of course, if you wish it I will tell him."
"No, no, child, have it your own way," he answered with good humour. "I suppose she is prepared to pay for her frolic."
"Well--I think she likes him."