“I should like to have Launa here to stay for a few days; but I fear she might not be very happy. What is your opinion?”
“I will tell her. I am sure she will be grateful to you for all your kindness to us both, but—she is uncertain, and aunt Jane’s remarks might affect her.”
“Uncertain! She loves you? I felt sure when I saw her that it was love. Why is she uncertain?”
“I do not know . . . perhaps I am wrong. Girls often are . . . odd.”
“Sometimes I have hoped you would marry someone with a title, but I like that girl. I received the announcement of your engagement with indifference—it seemed to be only the binding of another man; but now—”
“You wish my marriage to take place soon? You feel as if it would leave you freer—”
“It would make you happier, and me also. I should not be backward about settlements.”
“My aunt may die, and you probably will marry again—”
Lord Wainbridge shook his head.
“No. I shall settle two thousand a year on Miss Archer. She has money, also, I understand?”