The baronet wondered whether Victor Carrington's manner impressed
others as it impressed himself. One person had, he knew, been
scandalized by the surgeon's devotion to Lady Eversleigh; and had
spoken of it in the plainest terms. But did other eyes see as Lydia
Graham and he himself had seen?
He determined on questioning his nephew as to the character of the
gentlemanly and accomplished surgeon, whom an impulse of kindness had
prompted him to welcome under his roof--an impulse which he now
bitterly regretted.
"Your friend, Mr. Carrington, is very attentive to Lady Eversleigh,"
said Sir Oswald to Reginald, with a pitiable attempt at indifference of
manner; "is he generally so devoted in his attention to ladies?"
"On the contrary, my dear uncle," answered Reginald, with an appearance
of carelessness which was as well assumed as that of his kinsman was
awkward and constrained; "Victor Carrington generally entertains the
most profound contempt for the fair sex. He is devoted to the science
of chemistry, you know, and in London passes the best part of his life
in his laboratory. But then Lady Eversleigh is such a superior person--
it is no wonder he admires her."
"He admires her very much, then?"
"Amazingly--if I can judge by what he said when first he became
acquainted with her. He has grown more reserved lately."
"Oh, indeed.
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