"I suppose because I have been out of society, Miss Holland," said the scholar. "When a man marries, and has a large family, and a small income, and grows old, and has to see the young fellows shoving him out at every point, he doesn't care much about society. I hope you are well and happy."
"I am very well, and I ought to be happy, because I have recovered Claude's lost heiress, my cousin, Iris Deseret, and she is the best and most delightful of girls, with the warmest heart and the sweetest instincts of a lady by descent and birth."
She looked severely at Arnold, who said nothing, but smiled incredulously.
Mr. Farrar looked from Iris to Miss Holland, bewildered.
"And why do you come to see me to-day, Mr. Farrar—and with Arnold?"
"Because I have undertaken to answer one question presently, which Mr. Arbuthnot is to ask me. That is why I am here. Not but what it gives me the greatest pleasure to see you again, Miss Holland, after so many years."
"Our poor Claude died in America, you know, Mr. Farrar."
"So I have recently heard."
"And left one daughter."
"That also I have learned." He looked at Iris.