"But that's about the fact," persisted Mr. MacAllister.
"No; I never heard anything against them. Mr. De Vaux has lived out here a long time. He may have fallen into the ways of the East. But I think that Mr. Carteret is a perfect gentleman."
Her husband looked at her keenly.
"He seemed to be willing to pay a good deal of attention to Jessie last evening."
"Yes," she replied, without returning his gaze. "He appears to be very much attracted by her."
"Was she attracted to him in return?"
"Why shouldn't she be? He is a handsome and most accomplished young man, and has the best prospects of succeeding to the title and estates."
"He is a younger son."
"Yes; but the heir has only one lung."
Her husband gave a short laugh.