Cave was frank enough when he spoke of the amount of the fortune and the extent of the estate, but used a careful caution in speaking of family matters, merely hinting that Trafford had gone very fast, spent a deal of money, had his debts twice paid by his father, and was now rather in the position of a reformed spendthrift, making a good character for prudence and economy. “And where is he?--not in Ireland?” asked Se well, eagerly. “No; he is to join on Monday. I got a hurried note from him this morning, dated Holyhead. You said you had met him?” “Yes, at the Cape; he used to come and dine with us there occasionally.” “Did you like him?” “In a way. Yes, I think he was a nice fellow,--that is, he might be made a nice fellow, but it was always a question into what hands he fell; he was at the same time pliant and obstinate. He would always imitate,--he would never lead. So he seemed to me; but, to tell you the truth, I left him a good deal to the women; he was too young and too fresh for a man like myself.” “You are rather hard on him,” said Cave, laughing; “but you are partly right. He has, however, fine qualities,--he is generous and trustful to any extent.” “Indeed!” said Sewell, carelessly, as he bit off the end of a cigar. “Nothing would make him swerve from his word; and if placed in a difficulty where a friend was involved, his own interests would be the last he 'd think of.” “Very fine, all that. Are you drinking claret?--if so, finish that decanter, and let's have a fresh bottle.” Cave declined to take more wine, and he arose, with the rest, to repair to the drawing-room for coffee. It was not very usual for Sewell to approach his wife or notice her in society; now, however, he drew a chair near her as she sat at the fire, and in a low whisper said, “I have some pleasant news for you.” “Indeed!” she said coldly,--“what a strange incident!” “You mean it is a strange channel for pleasant news to come through, perhaps,” said he, with a curl of his lip. “Possibly that is what I meant,” said she, as quietly as before. “None of these fine-lady airs with me, Madam,” said he, reddening with anger; “there are no two people in Europe ought to understand each other better than we do.” “In that I quite agree with you.” “And as such is the case, affectations are clean thrown away, Madam; we _can_ have no disguises for each other.” A very slight inclination of her head seemed to assent to this remark, but she did not speak. “We came to plain speaking many a day ago,” said he, with increased bitterness in his tone. “I don't see why we are to forego the advantage of it now,--do you?” “By no means. Speak as plainly as you wish; I am quite ready to hear you.”