Sir George regarded her with that benign smile of his which, when he bestowed it upon women, suggested a subtle flattery and appreciation of their charm.
“You’ve been enjoying yourself very much, I can see, my dear Rosabelle, from the happy light on your expressive face. But I wager you will enjoy yourself more at Mürren, delightful as this evening has been, and is.”
The girl laughed gaily. “Oh, Sir George, how well you understand me. I enjoy nearly everything, you know; I am made that way. But above all things, I am an out-of-door girl, and I prefer to take my pleasures in the open air when possible.”
She went away on Richard’s arm, leaving uncle and nephew standing together side by side.
“Two types of people born with silver spoons in their mouths,” remarked the elder man in his smooth, even voice. “She is the apple of old Rupert’s eyes, and young Croxton is as dear to him as a son. They will ultimately get the millions the old man has piled up. And unless I am very much mistaken, there is already a pretty good understanding between the young couple, and the millions will be united.”
The nephew had not spoken up to the present. Truth to tell, when Sir George was there with his ceaseless flow of urbane small talk, it was not very easy for another person to get a hearing, but now he found voice.
“I have not the slightest doubt of that. The old boy seems to approve, apparently has no wish that she should look higher, and my aunt doesn’t disapprove, although I don’t think it would greatly affect matters if she did. Miss Rosabelle, good-tempered as she is, has a very strong will of her own in things that affect her strongly, and the old man, being so fond of them both, would take their part against his wife.”
Sir George shrugged his shoulders. “What must be will be. It is a pity though that this young Croxton has fascinated her. But for him, you might have had a chance, and of course you would have had your aunt’s backing.”
“I’m not the sort that finds favour in the eyes of men like Morrice,” said the nephew curtly. “He leads too strenuous a life himself to take very kindly to an idler like me. And Croxton might be his own son from certain aspects of his character. He’s a tremendous worker, like the old man, and I fancy Rosabelle prefers the strenuous type herself, and that she has no great liking for people who just saunter through life.”
“Strange that Morrice should work so hard at his time of life, although of course fifty-five is not a very great age. You’d think he had millions enough without slaving to pile up a few more for the young people to spend. And he has no vices, no weaknesses to run away with his money.” And again Sir George indulged in that rather melancholy sigh as he gave utterance to these sage remarks.