“All I can say is,” replied Hastings, with a light in his face, “he's one I'd like to tie to. I'll bet he could whip any four men you could pick out.”
Considering that Hastings had himself proposed—although in a very mild form—more than once to Victoria, this was generous.
“I daresay he could,” she agreed absently.
“It isn't only the way he's built,” persisted Hastings, “he looks as if he were going to be somebody some day. Introduce me to him, will you?”
“Certainly,” said Victoria. “Mr. Vane,” she called, “I want to introduce an admirer, Mr. Hastings Weare.”
“I just wanted to know you,” said Hastings, reddening, “and Victoria—I mean Miss Flint—said she'd introduce me.”
“I'm much obliged to her,” said Austen, smiling.
“Are you in politics?” asked Hastings.
“I'm afraid not,” answered Austen, with a glance at Victoria.
“You're not helping Humphrey Crewe, are you?”