“True; but will that be sufficient?”
“I cannot say,” replied Sir Bridgnorth. “I am not in Lord Courland's confidence.”
“As yet, I don't think his lordship has been let into the secret.”
“Nor is it desirable he should be. He must look after his own affairs. It is not your business to prevent the marriage, but to forward it. If Mrs. Calver-ley does not choose to tell her noble suitor how she is circumstanced, that is her own concern. She is a very clever woman, and can take care of herself. I should not have thought her capable of making such a sacrifice as this for any man. But she seems to be really in love with Lord Courland; or, perhaps, she is resolved at whatever cost to make an important match. At any rate, her scheme must not be thwarted.”
“Not unless it should turn out to be mischievous,” observed Chetwynd.
“It cannot be mischievous to Mildred,” said Sir Bridgnorth. “Lord Courland, probably, will be disappointed when he finds the property pass away from him; but that will be the worst that can happen. And if his lordship is a loser, Charles Danvers will be an immense gainer. How oddly things turn out! After all, Charles may become master of Ouselcroft, in right of his wife. Ah! here he comes!” he added, as the captain made his appearance. “I wish I could tell him what a brilliant prospect he has before him; but I musn't.”
“Well; are you laying out your plans for the day?” said Captain Danvers, as he came up.
“No; we were talking about you,” replied Sir Bridgnorth. “I was wishing you might be able to reside here.”
“Ah, that's out of the question now!” rejoined the captain. “It's a charming place, but I fancy both Chetwynd and myself shall soon be shut out of it. Lord Courland is certain to make a great change, and bring in a new set. If I had been master here, my aim would have been to keep my old friends about me. Chetwynd should always have had his room, and old Norris should have remained in his place.”
“I'm glad to hear you say so,” remarked Sir Bridgnorth. “I'm certain Mr. Calverley never meant his property to be disposed of in this fashion. It's a great pity half didn't go to Mildred.”