“Of their engagement? Just like him!”
“Uncle is so good-natured, you know; and he took advantage of it, and was always coming here, and riding with them. And he made Uncle believe dreadful stories about you, which made him seem so unkind. He was quite afraid to have you at the house.”
“Yes, I saw that last year; and the second coincidence?”
“It happened that very night. Poor uncle was very much troubled what to do; so, when he met Mr. St. Cloud, as I told you, he took him aside to ask him again about you. Somehow, a gentleman who was a friend of yours at Oxford overheard what was said, and came forward and explained everything.”
“Yes, he came and told me.”
“Then you know more than I about it.”
“And you think Mr. Porter is convinced that I am not quite such a scamp after all?”
“Yes, indeed; and the boys are so delighted that they will see you again. They are at home for the holidays, and so grown.”
“And Mary?”
“She is very well. You will see her before long, I dare say.”