At this point Nell became aware that the dark eyes had turned from the
window to her face, and she paused and looked up. There was a faint dash
of color on Mr. Vernon's cheeks, and a tightening of the lips. It seemed
to Nell, judging by his expression, that he had suddenly become
impatient of the twaddle, and she instantly dropped the paper on her
lap. But Mrs. Lorton was enjoying herself too much to permit of such an
interruption.
"Why do you stop, Eleanor?" she inquired. "It is most interesting. Pray,
go on."
Nell again glanced at Mr. Vernon, but his gaze had returned to the
window, and he shrugged his shoulders slightly, as if he were
indifferent, as if he could bear it.
----"'A confirmed bachelor,'" resumed Nell, "'and his sudden and
unexpected marriage must have been a surprise, and a very unpleasant
surprise to his family; especially to his nephew, Lord Selbie, who is
the heir presumptive to the title and estates. We say "presumptive,"
because in the event of the earl being blessed with a son and heir of
his own, Lord Selbie will, of course, not inherit the title or the vast
lands and moneys of the powerful and ancient family.'"
"How disappointed he must be!" said Mrs. Lorton, sympathetically.
"Really, such a marriage should not be permitted. What do you think, Mr.
Vernon?"
Mr. Vernon started slightly, and looked at the weak and foolish face as
if he scarcely saw it.
"Why not!" he said, rather curtly. "It's a free country, and a man may
marry whom he pleases."
"Yes, certainly; that is, an ordinary man--one of the middle class; but
not, certainly not, a nobleman of Lord Angleford's rank and position.
How old did it say he is, Eleanor?"
"It doesn't say, mamma," replied Nell.
"Ah, well, I know he is quite old; for I remember reading a paragraph
about him a few weeks ago. They were describing the ancestral home of
the Anglefords--Anglemere, it is called; one of the historic houses,
like Blenheim and Chatsworth, you know. And this poor Lord Selbie, the
nephew, will lose the title and everything. Dear me! how interesting! Is
there anything more about him?' "Oh, yes; a great deal more," said Nell despairfully.
"Then pray continue--that is, if Mr. Vernon is not tired; though,
speaking from experience, there is nothing so soothing as being read
to."
Mr. Vernon did not look as if he found the impertinent paragraphs in the
_Society News_ particularly soothing, but he said: "I'm not at all tired. It's very interesting, as you say. Please go on,
Miss Lorton."