"But, if you will pardon a word of warning at the outset from
an unprejudiced observer--what makes you expect to win, over Stephen
Archdale's head? He is a strong rival and first in the field."
"That's not everything to some women, the being first in the field, I
mean," he answered, this time suppressing his repetition of his friend's
belief that Archdale was no longer in the field.
"True."
"And do you think," he went on in a passionate undertone, "that I am
fit for nothing but Edmonson's fag? I tell you Edmonson--" he stopped
abruptly.
"What about him?" she asked, fixing her eyes upon him. But already
Bulchester had drawn back.
"I have nothing to say about him," he answered, "only that there is no
need of my walking always so close to him as to be thrown into the
shade."
"No, there is not," she said, and glanced at the subject of their
conversation, who stood talking to Katie in the most absorbed way. Lady
Dacre comprehended the reason of Bulchester's present bitterness. But
neither imagined that it was the conversation, and not the talker, that
was interesting Edmonson. The girl was telling him bits of family
history which he professed with truth to find fascinating.
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