“Very,” assented Hardy. “Such good friends that I have been devoting a lot of time lately to considering ways and means of getting him out of the snares of the Kybirds.”
“I should have thought that that was his affair,” said Miss Nugent, haughtily.
“Mine, too,” said Hardy. “I don't want him to marry Miss Kybird.”
For the first time since the engagement Miss Nugent almost approved of it. “Why not let him know your wishes?” she said, gently. “Surely that would be sufficient.”
“But you don't want them to marry?” said Hardy, ignoring the remark.
“I don't want my brother to do anything shabby,” replied the girl; “but I shouldn't be sorry, of course, if they did not.”
“Very good,” said Hardy. “Armed with your consent I shall leave no stone unturned. Nugent was let in for this, and I am going to get him out if I can. All's fair in love and war. You don't mind my doing anything shabby?”
“Not in the least,” replied Miss Nugent, promptly.
The reappearance of Mrs. Kingdom at this moment saved Mr. Hardy the necessity of a reply.
Conversation reverted to the missing captain, and Hardy and Mrs. Kingdom together drew such a picture of the two captains fraternizing that Miss Nugent felt that the millennium itself could have no surprises for her.