Page:Alice Lauder.pdf/32

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
24
ALICE LAUDER.

usually heartrending. Campbell always cheerfully acquiesced in her reproaches, tuned his instrument, and began again with renewed energy. While playing he leaned up against the wall, his fine head and square-made figure standing out like a portrait by Vandyke against the yellow decorations of the cabin.

“Oh, he does not mean anything. He never does. That’s the worst of those London men. It’s not the first time he has played a duet with a pretty girl, and won’t be the last if I know anything about him. But I expect his mother will look out for a big match for him. They haven’t much money, but they have the dearest old house down in Greenshire; just the place those American heiresses would give their eyes for!But he may do better than that, perhaps, by-and-by; for he is very sweet, isn’t he, captain?”

“Well , I don’t know about his sweetness , but he’s got a good head. I suppose he means to go into politics.”

“Oh yes, his Uncle Lanetop will give him a leg-up by-and-by. You know Lord Lanetop?—he’s always in the papers. He is very fond of Arthur; quite looks on him as a son, and his own son has turned out such a black sheep, more’s the pity. Why do we all have relations,