His Grace laid his hat on the table, and sat down on the arm of a chair.

“I think perhaps I am. It may interest you to hear that Lavinia intends to elope with our gallant friend the Captain.” Richard bowed.

“You knew it?”

“Certainly.”

Andover looked him over.

“May I ask what steps you are taking to prevent her?”

“None.”

His Grace’s expression was quite indescribable. For a moment he was speechless, and then he reverted to heavy sarcasm.

“Pray remember to be at hand⁠—to conduct her to her chair!” he drawled. “Upon my soul, you sicken me!