“Then you approve of the course I am about to pursue, Captain Danvers?”
“Entirely, my dear madam—entirely,” he replied. “I think it most judicious.”
“And now you have asked me a good many questions, let me ask you one in return?” said Mrs. Calverley.
“Delighted to answer any questions you may put to me,” he replied, wondering what she was going to say.
“But don't answer this, unless you like,” she observed.
“Let me hear it,” he rejoined, fearing something unpleasant was coming.
“How is it that your lovely cousin, Emmeline, has not married? I know she has had several very good offers.”
“'Pon my honour, I can't tell. I fancy—but mind its only fancy—she has had some disappointment.”
“I should think that scarcely possible,” observed Mrs. Calverley. “Why, she is an only child, and will be a great heiress!”
“Well, that's the only solution I can give of the mystery. I know Lord Bollington proposed to her, and I know my uncle would have liked the match to take place, but the young lord was refused.”