You are going to stay at the Castle a long time, I hope. I am
booked for an indefinite visit."
"O no, I don't suppose I shall stay very long. Lady Laura is extremely
kind; but this is my first visit, and she must have many friends who have a
greater claim upon her hospitality."
"Hale Castle is a large place, and I am sure Lady Laura has always room for
agreeable guests."
"She is very, very kind. You have known her a long time, perhaps?"
"Yes. I have been intimate with the Challoners ever since I was a boy.
Lady Laura was always charming; but I think her marriage with Fred
Armstrong--who worships the ground she walks on--and the possession of Hale
Castle have made her absolutely perfect."
"And you know her sister, Lady Geraldine, of course?"
"O yes, I know Geraldine."
"Do you know Mr. Fairfax, the gentleman to whom she is engaged?"
"Well, yes; I am supposed to have some knowledge of that individual."
Something in his smile, and a certain significance in his tone, let in a
sudden light upon Clarissa's mind.
"I am afraid I am asking very foolish questions," she said. "You are Mr.
Fairfax?"
"Yes, I am George Fairfax. I forgot that I had omitted to you my name that
night."
"And I had no idea that I was speaking to Mr. Fairfax. You were not
expected till quite late this evening."
"No; but I found my business in London easier to manage than I had supposed
it would be; so, as in duty bound, I came down here directly I found myself
free.
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