miles, and wasn't such a fool as to go to the top.'

'Do you know that Mr. Hammond made Mary an offer, while they were on the
hill, and that she accepted him?'

'A queer place for a proposal, wasn't it? The wind blowing great guns
all the time. I should have chosen a more tranquil spot.'

'Maulevrier, cannot you be serious? Do you forget that this business of
to-day must affect your sister's welfare for the rest of her life?'

'No, I do not. I will be as serious as a judge after he has put on the
black cap,' said Maulevrier, seating himself near his grandmother's
couch, and altering his tone altogether. 'Seriously I am very glad that
Hammond has asked Mary to be his wife, and still more glad that she is
tremendously in love with him. I told you some time ago not to put your
spoke in that wheel. There could not be a happier or a better marriage
for Mary.'

'You must have rather a poor opinion, of your sister's attractions,
personal or otherwise, if you consider a penniless young man--of no
family--good enough for her.'

'I do not consider my sister a piece of merchandise to be sold to the
highest bidder. Granted that Hammond is poor and a nobody. He is an
honourable man, highly gifted, brave as a lion, and he is my dearest
friend. Can you wonder that I rejoice at my sister's having won him for
her adoring lover?'

'Can he really care for her, after having loved Lesbia?'