"What affairs, madam, do you mean?" I remembered that the business of the betrothal was a secret. "What affairs?"
"Why ask—the affair between his lordship and Molly, of course. Shall I prove to you that I know all about it?"
"You can do better, madam, you can tell me what the affair is."
"Oh! Jack, you act very badly. Never, my dear young man, go upon the stage. Of course, you know Molly has no secrets from you. Listen, then.
"On the first night when Molly and you distinguished yourselves in the minuet—never blush, Jack, a British sailor should always show that he knows no fear—Lord Fylingdale administered a public rebuke to the company for their rudeness. He showed thereby that he was already interested in the girl. He then paid attention to the old captain, whose simplicity and honesty are charming. I need not point out to you, Jack, that the good old man became like wax in his lordship's hands. He even revealed his ambition of finding an alliance for the girl with some noble house or sprig of quality, attracted by the report of her fortune. He was also simple enough to imagine that any young nobleman, a younger son, who would take a girl for her money, must needs be a miracle of virtue, and beyond all considerations of money. So far I am quite correct, I believe."
"Your ladyship is quite correct, so far." In fact, the captain's ambitions were the common theme of ridicule in the pump room and in the gardens.
"He then came to see me, and engaged me as an old friend and one fully acquainted with his qualities——"
"Virtues, you mean, madam."
"Qualities, I said—to make myself a friend of the fair Molly. This I did. She showed me the amazing collection of jewels which she possesses, and I gave her advice on certain points. She came here and I taught her something of the fashions in dress, carriage, and behaviour. She is an apt pupil, but lacking in respect for the manners of the polite world. I then find my lord entering into further confidential discourse with the captain. He even went on board your ship, and was by you escorted over the whole vessel. He took so great an interest in everything that you were surprised, and at parting he drank a glass of wine to the health of the fair Molly."
"Quite true." I suppose that the captain had told Molly, who told Lady Anastasia.