"
The earl gave a small sharp smile.
"You would make a good pleader, Mr. Grant! But if you had seen the
consequences of such marriage half as often as I, you would modify
your ideas. Mark what I say: this marriage shall not take place--by
God! What! should I for a moment talk of it with coolness were there
the smallest actual danger of its occurrence--did I not know that it
never could, never shall take place! The boy is a fool, and he shall
know it! I have him in my power--neck and heels in my power! He does
not know it, and never could guess how; but it is true: one word
from me, and the rascal is paralysed! Oblige me by telling him what
I have just said. The absurd marriage shall not take place, I
repeat. Invalid as I am, I am not yet reduced to the condition of an
obedient father."
He took up a small bottle, poured a little from it, added water, and
drank--then resumed.
"Now for the girl: who knows about it?"
"So far as I am aware, no one but her grandfather. He had come to
the castle to inquire after her, and was with me when we came upon
them in the fruit garden."
"Then let no further notice be taken of it. Tell no one--not even
Mrs. Brookes. Let the young fools do as they please."
"I cannot consent to that, my lord."
"Why, what the devil have you to do with it?"
"I am the friend of her people."
"Pooh! pooh! don't talk rubbish.
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