"All the same, so far as I'm concerned," said Mr. Longcluse sharply. "And only, I fancied, it might be, as Mr. David Arden is absent, and you should be protected by satisfactory joint security----" "I won't do it," said Mr. Longcluse, a little brusquely; and he took out his watch and glanced at it impatiently. "Sir Richard, I think, will be in funds immediately," said Mr. Blount. "How so?" asked Mr. Longcluse. "You'll excuse me, as you press the subject, for saying _that_ will be something new." "Well," said Mr. Blount, who saw that his last words had made an impression, "Sir Richard is likely to be married, very advantageously, immediately." "Are settlements agreed on?" inquired Mr. Longcluse, with real interest. "No, not yet; but I know all about them." "He is accepted then?" "He has not proposed yet; but there can be, I fancy, no doubt that the lady likes him, and all will go right." "Oh! and who is the lady?" "I'm not at liberty to tell." "Quite right; I ought not to have asked," says Mr. Longcluse; and looks down, slapping at intervals the side of his trousers lightly with his whip. He raises his eyes to Mr. Blount's face, and looks on the point of asking another question, but he does not. "It is my opinion," said Mr. Blount, "the kindness would involve absolutely no risk whatever." There was a little pause. Mr. Longcluse looks rather dark and anxious; perhaps his mind has wandered quite from the business before them. But it returns, and he says,-- "Risk or no risk, Mr. Blount, I don't mean to do him that kindness; and for how long will Mr. David Arden be absent?" "Unless he should take a sudden thought to return, he'll be away at least two months." "Where is he?--in Scotland?" "I _really_ don't know." "Couldn't one see him for a few minutes before he starts? Where does he take the steamer?" "Southampton." "And on what day?" "You really want a word with him?" asked Blount, whose hopes revived. "I may." "Well, the only person who will know that is Mr. Humphries, of Pendle Castle, near that town; for he has to transact some trust-business with that gentleman as he passes through." "Humphries, of Pendle Castle. Very good; thanks." Mr. Longcluse looks again at his watch. "And perhaps you will reconsider the matter I spoke of?" "No use, Mr. Blount--not the least. I have quite made up my mind. Anything more? I am afraid I must be off." "Nothing, thanks," said Mr. Blount. And so the interview ended. When he was gone, Mr. Longcluse thought darkly for a minute. "That's a straightforward fellow, they say. I suppose the facts are so. It can't be, though, that Miss Maubray, that handsome creature with so much money, is thinking of marrying that insolent coxcomb. It may be Lady May, but the other is more likely. We must not allow _that_, Sir Richard. That would never do."