“Yes; my suit has prospered,” he said. “But I am entirely indebted to your ladyship for the treasure I have gained.”
“That you have gained a treasure, I am certain,” rejoined Lady Thicknesse. “But I do not see how you owe it to me.”
“Is it not here that I have found it?” he said. “But for you, I might never have met the only person who can make me happy.”
By this time Mrs. Calverley herself had come forward to participate in the general felicitations.
“What think you of this proposed marriage?” observed Sir Bridgnorth, in a low tone, to Chetwynd.
“I think very little about it,” replied the other. “It will never take place.”
“Wherefore not?”
“I cannot explain myself,” said Chetwynd; “but, depend upon it, I am right.”
“Well, time will show,” said Sir Bridgnorth. “I am going down to Charlton to-morrow. Come, and spend a few days with me. I feel certain there will be a general move.”
And so it proved.