“Yes; and a great delight she is to me. I couldn't do without her.”
“And Chetwynd—pardon my asking so many questions—is he also with you?”
“For the present. I hope you like him?”
“I like him immensely. I'm sure we shall get on together uncommonly well. And now, am I at liberty to inform Lady Thicknesse and Scrope that you have consented to become Lady Courland?”
“Yes; I think it will be quite proper to do so,” she replied.
Not many minutes afterwards voices were heard without, the door was thrown open by Higgins, and Lady Thicknesse and most of the persons whom we left below entered the room.
As Lord Courland arose and advanced to meet her ladyship, she could not fail to be struck by his joyous air.
“I hope I may congratulate your lordship?” she said.
“Do I look like a rejected suitor?” he remarked.
“Not exactly,” she replied. “I should say all has gone well.”