'I'm glad of that.'
'He made me a Director of one of his companies the other day.'
'Did he? Perhaps he'll like you for a son-in-law.'
'There's no knowing;--is there?'
'I hope he will. I shall like you for papa's son-in-law. I hope it isn't wrong to say that. Oh, Felix, say that you love me.' Then she put her face up towards his again.
'Of course I love you,' he said, not thinking it worth his while to kiss her. 'It's no good speaking to him here. I suppose I had better go and see him in the city.'
'He is in a good humour now,' said Marie.
'But I couldn't get him alone. It wouldn't be the thing to do down here.'
'Wouldn't it?'
'Not in the country,--in another person's house. Shall you tell Madame Melmotte?'
'Yes, I shall tell mamma; but she won't say anything to him. Mamma does not care much about me. But I'll tell you all that another time. Of course I shall tell you everything now. I never yet had anybody to tell anything to, but I shall never be tired of telling you.' Then he left her as soon as he could, and escaped to the other ladies. Mr Melmotte was still sitting in the summerhouse, and Lord Alfred was still with him, smoking and drinking brandy and seltzer. As Sir Felix passed in front of the great man he told himself that it was much better that the interview should be postponed till they were all in London. Mr Melmotte did not look as though he were in a good humour. Sir Felix said a few words to Lady Pomona and Madame Melmotte. Yes; he hoped to have the pleasure of seeing them with his mother and sister on the following day. He was aware that his cousin was not coming. He believed that his cousin Roger never did go anywhere like any one else. No; he had not seen Mr Longestaffe. He hoped to have the pleasure of seeing him to-morrow. Then he escaped, and got on his horse, and rode away.
'That's going to be the lucky man,' said Georgiana to her mother, that evening.
'In what way lucky?'
'He is going to get the heiress and all the money. What a fool Dolly has been!'
'I don't think it would have suited Dolly,' said Lady Pomona. 'After all, why should not Dolly marry a lady?'