And as a man brought up in
wealth, and himself potentially rich, he found it secretly agreeable
that costly things became her. There should be no lack of them in
the future.
They stepped out upon the terrace. At sight of them the Roughsedges
approached, while Mr. Fred Birch lagged behind to inspect the sundial.
After a few words' conversation, Marsham turned resolutely away.
"Miss Mallory wants to show me a new gardener."
The old doctor smiled at his wife. Hugh Roughsedge watched the departing
figures. Excellently matched, he must needs admit, in aspect and in
height. Was it about to happen?--or had it already happened? He braced
himself, soldierlike, to the inevitable.
"You know Mr. Birch," said Diana to her companion, as they descended to
the lower terrace, and passed not very far from that gentleman.
"I just know him," said Marsham, carelessly, and bestowed a nod in the
direction of the solicitor.
"Had he not something to do with your election?" said Diana, astonished.
"My election?" cried Marsham. Then he laughed. "I suppose he has been
drawing the long bow, as usual. Am I impertinent?--or may I ask, how you
came to know him?"
He looked at her smiling.
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