Page:Elizabeth's Pretenders.djvu/245

232 "Have you known Mr. George long?"

"For some years. Middle class, but not a bad young fellow."

"You have never spoken to him about me?"

"No; he mentioned you once to me. I answered him—nothing more."

"Does he know that I have money, Lord Robert?" She turned her head, so that she might watch his face.

"You don't mean that he? Confound his impudence! The young jackanapes!"

"I asked you a plain question. You have not answered it."

"My answer is that be certainly does. I can say no more—am bound by a promise. But it is no breach of faith to tell you so much. He does know you have money."

"Thank you. Another reed broken by the wind." She smiled rather bitterly. "Don't imagine that I am in love—that you have dispelled an illusion. But I liked the young man, and I believed in him. I am sorry."

"And so you absolutely refuse to believe in any one who knows you have money? How absurd! Can't conceal it all your life. Ends in your believing no one. Cheerful existence, Miss Shaw!"

"You think I am too young to be so cynical? I don't want to be so. But circumstances have been against me."

"Circumstances? What circumstances?"

"Oh, never mind. I might say a combination of many. If you wish me to be frank, Lord Robert, you are one of them."