However, you seem to have settled the
business among you, and I suppose I must submit. You had better all
drink tea with me to morrow afternoon; and I will receive your friend as
Mary's future husband.'
'That is the best and kindest of grandmothers.'
'But I should like to know more of his antecedents and his relations.'
'His antecedents are altogether creditable. He took honours at the
University; he has been liked and respected everywhere. He is an orphan,
and it is better not to talk to him of his family. He is sensitive on
that point, like most men who stand alone in the world.'
'Well, I will hold my peace. You have taken this business into your
hands, Maulevrier; and you must be responsible for the result.'
Maulevrier left his grandmother soon after this, and went downstairs,
whistling for very joyousness. Finding the billiard-room deserted he
repaired to the drawing-room, where he found Mary playing scraps of
melody to her lover at the shadowy end of the room, while Fraeulein sat
by the fire weaving her web as steadily as one of the Fatal Sisters, and
with a brow prophetic of evil.
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