He responded to the look with a most innocent stare. "A discovery, my dearest Lady Laura--you mystify me. What discovery is there for me to make, except that Hale Castle is the most delightful place to visit?--and that fact I knew beforehand, knowing its mistress." "But is it possible that you have seen nothing--guessed nothing? And I should have supposed you such a keen observer--such a profound judge of human nature." "One does not enlarge one's knowledge of human nature by being buried amongst books as I have been. But seriously, Lady Laura, what is the answer to the enigma--what ought I to have guessed, or seen?" "Why, that Daniel Granger is desperately in love with your daughter." "With Clarissa! Impossible! Why, the man is old enough to be her father." "Now, my dear Mr. Lovel, you know that is _no_ reason against it. I tell you the thing is certain--palpable to any one who has had some experience in such matters, as I have. I wanted to bring this about; I had set my heart upon it before Clarissa came here, but I did not think it would be accomplished so easily. There is no doubt about his feelings, my dear Mr. Lovel; I know the man thoroughly, and I never saw him pay any woman attention before. Perhaps the poor fellow is scarcely conscious of his own infatuation yet, but the fact is no less certain. He has betrayed himself to me ever so many times by little speeches he has let fall about our dear Clary. I think even the daughter begins to see it." "And what then, my kind friend?" asked Mr. Lovel with an air of supreme indifference. "Suppose this fancy of yours to be correct, do you think Clarissa would marry the man?" "I do not think she would be so foolish as to refuse him," Lady Laura answered quickly; "unless there were some previous infatuation on her side." "You need have no apprehension of that," returned Mr. Lovel sharply. "Clarissa has never had the opportunity for so much as a flirtation." Lady Laura remembered that scene on the balcony with a doubtful feeling. "I hope she would have some regard for her own interest," she said thoughtfully. "And if such an opportunity as this were to present itself--as I feel very sure it will--I hope your influence would be exerted on the right side." "My dear Lady Laura, my influence should be exercised in any manner you desired," replied Mr. Lovel eagerly. "You have been so good to that poor friendless girl, that you have a kind of right to dispose of her fate. Heaven forbid that I should interfere with any plans you may have formed on her behalf, except to promote them." "It is so good of you to say that. I really am so fond of my dear Clary, and it would so please me to see her make a great marriage, such as this would be. If Mr. Granger were not a good man, if it were a mere question of money, I would not urge it for a moment; but he really is in every way unexceptionable, and if you will give me your permission to use my influence with Clary----"