"
"I never contradict a lady, ma'am," rejoined the incorrigible captain.
"If it is your pleasure, when we next meet to think my niece quite well,
I shall bow resignedly to the expression of your opinion." With those
words, he followed the housekeeper into the passage, and politely opened
the door for her. "I mark the trick, ma'am!" he said to himself, as he
closed it again. "The trump-card in your hand is a sight of my niece,
and I'll take care you don't play it!"
He returned to the parlor, and composedly awaited the next event which
was likely to happen--a visit from Mrs. Lecount's master. In less than
an hour results justified Captain Wragge's anticipations, and Noel
Vanstone walked in.
"My dear sir!" cried the captain, cordially seizing his visitor's
reluctant hand, "I know what you have come for. Mrs. Lecount has told
you of her visit here, and has no doubt declared that my niece's illness
is a mere subterfuge. You feel surprised--you feel hurt--you suspect
me of trifling with your kind sympathies--in short, you require an
explanation. That explanation you shall have. Take a seat. Mr. Vanstone.
I am about to throw myself on your sense and judgment as a man of the
world.
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