"Is Val of the Anne Ashton faction, that the truth should tell upon him,
as well as upon you?" she returned, striving to maintain an assumption of
sarcastic coldness.

"It is upon him that the words will tell. Anne is engaged to him."

"Is it true? Is Val really engaged to her?" cried the countess-dowager in
an ecstacy of relief, lifting her snub nose and painted cheeks, whilst a
glad light came into Maude's eyes again. "I did hear he was engaged to
some girl; but such reports of younger sons go for nothing."

"Val was engaged to her before he went abroad. Whether he will get her or
not, is another thing."

"To hear you talk, Hartledon, one might have supposed you cared for the
girl yourself," cried Lady Kirton; but her brow was smooth again, and her
tone soft as honey. "You should be more cautious."

"Cautious! Why so? I love and respect Anne beyond any girl on earth. But
that Val hastened to make hay when the sun shone, whilst I fell asleep
under the hedge, I don't know but I might have proposed to her myself,"
he added, with a laugh. "However, it shall not be my fault if Val does
not win her."

The countess-dowager said no more. She was worldly-wise in her way, and
thought it best to leave well alone. Sailing out of the room she left
them alone together: as she was fond of doing.

"Is it not rather--rather beneath an Elster to marry an obscure country