"All right," interrupted Anthony, and stole a kiss in his turn, "but will Ferdy give up that dancing girl?"
"Why, I told you that he had done so. Zara went away immediately after the funeral, and her mother accompanied her to stop in Town for a week or so. Ferdy has forgotten all about Zara by this time. It is just as well," sighed Clarice, "as I had to pay those awful bills. Two thousand pounds, Anthony. Think of it."
"Oh, I always knew that Ferdy could get through no end of cash," said Ackworth, coolly, "especially when Butterfly had him in tow. But now that he has escaped her, I dare say he'll marry Miss Clarke."
"He is willing enough to do so," said Clarice, "and I think that he really loves her, as much as his weak nature will allow him to love anyone but himself. The opposition--so I gathered from Ferdy--is on the part of Mr. Clarke."
"But why, seeing that Mr. Clarke is in your debt, and should be glad that his daughter should make a rich marriage?"
"I can't explain, Anthony. Mr. Clarke certainly seemed to be pleased when the marriage was announced--that is, the engagement. Why he should have changed his mind, I can't say. But I'll know to-morrow."
"Well, then, when this is settled we can look after our own happiness?" said the Captain.
"Yes. You know, I want to have you, all to myself."
"I know, I know. I am of the same way of thinking. Also my father and mother are most anxious to meet you again. They are old, and want a sweet daughter in the house. I am an only child, you know, Clarice, so when I marry you I'll chuck the army, and we can live near the old people."
"I should not like you to leave the army," said Clarice, thoughtfully; "you must have something to do in life."
"I'll make love to you, dear. However, I'll obey your slightest command. Indeed, Clarice, I often wish that you would allow me to help you now."
"In what way. I have arranged all business affairs with Mr. Barras. The search for Osip is in the hands of the detectives. I am arranging about Ferdy's future as I tell you, and--and--well, everything is going smoothly. There's nothing to be done."
"Have you found out where that forty thousand pounds went?"
"Not a trace of it. Uncle Henry received it in gold, but we have searched the room and the house and even the garden, without coming upon any buried treasure. Chalks declares that he never heard Uncle Henry say anything about money, and never saw him with any save a few sovereigns."