“Society will⁠—one day⁠—receive him, Mrs. Fanshawe. You will see.”

“I long for that day,” she sighed. “I wish I had it in my power to help him⁠—to repay in part the debt I owe him.”

At that he lifted his head.

“My brother, madam, would count it not a debt, but an honour,” he answered proudly.

“Yes,” she smiled. “You are like him; when you speak like that you might almost be he.”

“He is worth a thousand of me, Mrs. Fanshawe!” he replied vehemently, and broke off, staring down at the table.

“And his name?” she asked softly.