After keeping himself out of the way of all his friends and most of his acquaintances ever since the departure of his substitute, hearing nothing of what was happening at Hechnahoul, and living in daily dread of the ignominious exposure of their plot, he had stumbled by accident against his aunt, explained his prolonged absence from her house with the utmost difficulty, and found himself forced to appease her wounded feelings by appearing where he least wished to be seen--in a crowded London reception-room.

No wonder the unfortunate young man seemed nervous and ill at ease.
As for Alicia, she was consumed with anxiety to know why he was here and not in Scotland, as Sir Justin had supposed; and, indeed, to learn a number of things.

And now they were rapidly getting on sufficiently familiar terms for her to put a tactful question or two.

Encouraged by her sympathy, he began to touch upon his own anxieties.
"A young man ought to get married, I suppose," he remarked confidentially.
The Baroness smiled.
"That depends on whether he likes any one well enough to marry her, doesn't it ?" He sighed.
"Do you think--honestly now," he said solemnly, "that one should marry for love or marry for money ?" "For love, certainly!" "You really think so?
You'd advise--er--advise a fellow to blow the prejudices of his friends, and that sort of thing ?" "I should have to know a little more about the case." He was evidently longing for a confidant.
"Suppose er--one girl was ripping, but--well--on the stage, for instance." "On the stage!" exclaimed the Baroness.

"Yes, please go on.