Doing her harm,
because they are deceiving her, encouraging a delusion; and doing him
harm, because they are wasting his time, and incurring the risk of his
being 'blown upon' to the ironmonger. Vulgar people of the kind, you
know, my dear Miss Brewer, give ugly names, and attach undue importance
to intimacies of this kind, and--and--in short, it is on the cards that
Madame Durski may spoil Sir Reginald's game. Well, as that game is also
mine, you will find no difficulty in understanding that I do not intend
Madame Durski shall spoil it."
"Yes, I understand that," said Miss Brewer, as plainly as before; "but
I don't understand how Paulina is to be served in the affair, and I
don't understand what my part is to be in it."
"I am coming to that," he said. "You cannot be unaware of the
impression which Madame Durski has made upon Sir Reginald's cousin,
Douglas Dale."
"I know he did admire her," said Miss Brewer, "but he has not been here
since his brother's death. He is a rich man now."
"Yes, he is--but that will make no change in him in certain respects.
Douglas Dale is a fool, and will always remain so. Madame Durski has
completely captivated him, and I am perfectly certain he would marry
her to-morrow, if she could be brought to consent."
"A striking proof that Mr. Douglas Dale deserves the character you have
given him, you would say, Mr.
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