"My mother has something like a hundred a year in the world," broke in Conway, hastily. "It's a poor pittance, I know, and you would be puzzled to say how one could eke out subsistence on it, but she manages it very cleverly."
"I had really no intention to obtrude my curiosity so far," said Dunn, apologizing. "My object was to show you, generally, that Miss Kellett, having hitherto lived in a condition of comfort--"
"Well, we 'll do our best--I mean my mother will," said Conway. "Only say you will recommend the plan, and I 'm satisfied."
"And for yourself--have you no project, no scheme of life struck out? A man so full of youth and energy should not sink into the listless inactivity of a retired soldier."
"You forget this," said Conway, pointing to his armless sleeve.
"Many a one-armed officer leads his squadron into fire; and your services--if properly represented, properly supported--would perhaps meet recognition at the Horse Guards. What say you, would you serve again if they offered you a cornetcy?"
"Would I?--would I bless the day that brought me the tidings? But the question is not of _me_," said he, proudly; and he turned away to leave the spot. Dunn followed him, and they walked out into the road together. A handsome chariot, splendid in all its appointments, and drawn by two powerful thoroughbreds, awaited the rich man's coming, and the footman banged down the steps with ostentatious noise as he saw him approach.
"Let the carriage follow," said Dunn to the servant, and walked on at Conway's side. "If it was not that I am in a position to be of service to you, my observation would be a liberty," said Dunn; "but I have some influence with persons in power--"
"I must stop you at once," said Conway, good-humoredly. "I belong to a class which does not accept of favors except from personal friends; and though I fully recognize your kind intentions towards me, remember we are strangers to each other."
"I should wish to forget that," said Dunn, courteously.
"I should still be ungracious enough to bear it in mind. Come, come, Mr. Dunn," said he, "this is not the topic I want you to be interested in. If you can bring some hope and comfort into that little cottage yonder, you will do a far greater kindness than by any service you can render one like me."