"I do not know who they would be. He would be my companion, and I like him. I love him dearly. There! you need not tell me, Lord Lovel. I know it all. He is not like you;--and I, when I had become his wife, should not be like your aunt Jane. I should never see people of that sort any more, I suppose. We should not live here in England at all,--so that I should escape the scorn of all my cousins. I know what I am doing, and why I am doing it;--and I do not think you ought to tempt me." She knew at least that she was open to temptation. He could perceive that, and was thankful for it. "I do not wish to tempt you, but I would save you from unhappiness if I could. Such a marriage would be unnatural. I have not seen Mr. Thwaite." "Then, my lord, you have not seen a most excellent man, who, next to my mother, is my best friend." "But he cannot be a gentleman." "I do not know;--but I do know that I can be his wife. Is that all, Lord Lovel?" "Not quite all. I fear that this weary lawsuit will come back upon us in some shape. I cannot say whether I have the power to stop it if I would. I must in part be guided by others." "I cannot do anything. If I could, I would not even ask for the money for myself." "No, Lady Anna. You and I cannot decide it. I must again see my lawyer. I do not mean the attorney,--but Sir William Patterson, the Solicitor-General. May I tell him what you told me yesterday?" "I cannot hinder you." "But you can give me your permission. If he will promise me that it shall go no farther,--then may I tell him? I shall hardly know what to do unless he knows all that I know." "Everybody will know soon." "Nobody shall know from me,--but only he. Will you say that I may tell him?" "Oh, yes." "I am much indebted to you even for that. I cannot tell you now how much I hoped when I got up yesterday morning at Bolton Bridge that I should have to be indebted to you for making me the happiest man in England. You must forgive me if I say that I still hope at heart that this infatuation may be made to cease. And now, good-bye, Lady Anna." "Good-bye, Lord Lovel."