Bertram said in his heart that Harcourt was a beast, an animal without a soul, a creature capable of no other joys than those of a material nature; but he kept this opinion at the present moment to himself. Not, however, that he was averse to express himself openly before his friend. He often gave Harcourt to understand that he suspected him of being deficient in the article of a soul; and Harcourt would take the reproach with perfect good-humour, remarking, perhaps, that he might probably find it possible to get on decently without one. "Is the lady's name a secret?" he asked. "No; not to you, at least. I believe it is generally considered advisable that these sort of things should not be talked about quite openly till the consummation of them is nigh at hand. I have no wish for any mystery in the matter. Her name is Caroline Waddington." "What! a daughter of Sir Augustus?" "No; nothing to Sir Augustus, that I have heard." "She must, then, be one of the General's family?" "Not that either. Her only relative, that I know, is a Miss Baker." "Miss Baker!" said Harcourt; and the tone of his voice was not encouraging. "Yes, Miss Baker," said Bertram; and the tone of his voice was hardly conciliatory. "Oh--ah--yes. I don't exactly think I know her. Miss Baker!" "It would be odd if you did, for she lives at Littlebath, and hardly ever comes to town. When she does, she stays down at Hadley with my uncle." "Oh--h! That's a horse of another colour. I beg your pardon entirely, my dear fellow. Why did you not tell me at first that this is a match of your uncle's making?" "My uncle's making! It is not a match of my uncle's making." "Well, well; one that he approves. I hardly gave you credit for so much prudence. That will be as good as having everything settled exactly as you could wish it." "You are giving me a great deal too much credit," said Bertram, laughing. "My uncle knows nothing about my marriage, and I have not the slightest idea of consulting him. I should think it mean to do so, considering everything." "Mean to consult the only relative you have who can do anything for you?" "Yes. He has told me over and over again that I have no claim on him; and, therefore, I will make none."