“Oh! nothing. I never mean anything.” “But you must have had some meaning.” “Some meaning! Yes, I dare say I had; I meant; I meant; do you think it will rain to-day?” “Every prospect of a hard frost. I never knew before that I was an improvisatore.” “Nor I. Have you heard from papa lately? I suppose he is quite in spirits at your success?” “My father is a man who seldom gives way to any elation of mind.” “Ah, indeed! a philosopher, I have no doubt, like his son.” “I have no claims to the title of philosopher, although I have had the advantage of studying in the school of Mrs. Felix Lorraine.” “What do you mean? If I thought you meant to be impertinent, I really would; but I excuse you; I think the boy means well.” “The boy ‘means nothing; he never means anything.’” “Come, Vivian! we are going to part. Do not let us quarrel the last day. There, there is a sprig of myrtle for you! What! not accept my foolish flower? Nay, then, I am indeed unblest! and now you want it all! Unreasonable young man! If I were not the kindest lady in the land I should tear this sprig into a thousand pieces sooner; but come, my child! you shall have it. There! it looks quite imposing in your button-hole. How handsome you look to-day!” “How agreeable you are! I love compliments!” “Ah, Vivian! will you never give me credit for anything but a light and callous heart? Will you never be convinced that, that; but why make this humiliating confession? Oh! no, let me be misunderstood for ever! The time may come when Vivian Grey will find that Amalia Lorraine was--” “Was what, madam?” “You shall choose the word, Vivian.” “Say, then, my friend.” “‘Tis a monosyllable full of meaning, and I will not quarrel with it. And now, adieu! Heaven prosper you! Believe me, that my first thoughts and my last are for you and of you!” CHAPTER III “This is very kind of you, Grey! I was afraid my note might not have caught you. You have not breakfasted? Really I wish you would take up your quarters in Carabas House, for I want you now every moment.” “What is the urgent business of this morning?” “Oh! I have seen Bromley.” “Hah!” “And everything most satisfactory, I did not go into detail; I left that for you: but I ascertained sufficient to convince me that management is now alone required.” “Well, my Lord, I trust that will not be wanting.” “No, Vivian; you have opened my eyes to the situation in which fortune has placed me. The experience of every day only proves the truth and soundness of your views. Fortunate, indeed, was the hour in which we met.” “My Lord, I do trust that it was a meeting which neither of us will live to repent.”