Consequently Sir John wisely entrenched himself in general professions of regard to Mrs. Beaumont, and reflections on the happiness of being connected with such a respectable family. Mrs. Beaumont, who understood the whole of the game, now saw that her play must be to take Captain Lightbody again into her confidence. Ever careful not to commit herself, she employed Miss Hunter to communicate _her own scheme_ to the captain, and to prepare him on the requisite points with proper answers to those inquiries which she foresaw the baronet would make. “You know, my love,” said Mrs. Beaumont, “you can find a proper moment to say all you wish to Lightbody.” “Oh, yes,” said Miss Hunter, “I will if I possibly can this day; but it is so difficult to find a good time--” “At dinner, suppose?” said Mrs. Beaumont. “At dinner! surely, ma’am, that’s an awkward time, is not it, for talking of secrets?” “The best time in the world, my dear; you know we are to have the Duttons, and the Lord knows whom besides, to-day. And when there’s a large company, and every body talking at once, and eating, and drinking, and carving, it is the best time in the world! You may say what you please; your neighbours are all happily engaged, too busy to mind you. Get near fat Mr. Dutton, and behind the screen of his prodigious elbow you will be comfortably recessed from curious impertinents. My dear, the most perfect solitude is not so convenient as one of these great dinners.” Whilst Mrs. Beaumont was demonstrating to Miss Hunter that the most convenient and secure time for a _tête-à-tête_ is at a large dinner, she happened to look out of the window, near which they were standing, and she saw her son and daughter with Mr. Palmer walking in the park; they sat down under a tree within view of the house. “Come away from the window, my dear,” said Mrs. Beaumont; “they will observe us, and perhaps think we are plotting something. I wonder what they are talking of! Look how earnestly Amelia is stretching out her neck, and Mr. Palmer striking his cane upon the ground. Come back a little, my dear, come back; you can see as well here.” “But I see a gentleman on horseback, galloping. Oh, ma’am, look! he has stopped! he has jumped off his horse! Captain Walsingham it must be!” “Captain Walsingham it really is!” said Mrs. Beaumont, pressing forward to look out of the window, yet standing so, that she could not be seen from without. “Dear,” said Miss Hunter, “but how delighted Mr. Beaumont seems; and how Mr. Palmer shakes Captain Walsingham’s hand, as if he had known him these hundred years! What can make them so glad to see him? Do look at them, ma’am.” “I see it all!” said Mrs. Beaumont, with an involuntary sigh.