It 's somewhere down in Kent , a fine place and good income , all his ; and he deserves it . Mamma heard a deal about him from Mrs. Langdon , who knew old Talbot and has seen the young man . Of course all the girls are wild to behold him , for he is very handsome and accomplished , and a gentleman by birth . But the dreadful part is that he is already betrothed to a lovely Greek girl , who came over at the same time , and is living in London with a companion ; quite elegantly , Mrs. Langdon says , for she called and was charmed . This girl has been seen by some of our gentlemen friends , and they already rave about the ` fair Helene , ' for that 's her name . '' Here Maud was forced to stop for breath , and Lillian had a chance to question her . `` How old is she ? '' `` About eighteen or nineteen , they say . '' `` Very pretty ? '' `` Ravishing , regularly Greek and divine , Fred Raleigh says . '' `` When is she to be married ? '' `` Do n't know ; when Talbot gets settled , I fancy . '' `` And he ? Is he as charming as she ? '' `` Quite , I 'm told . He 's just of age , and is , in appearance as in everything else , a hero of romance . '' `` How came your mother to secure him for tonight ? '' `` Mrs. Langdon is dying to make a lion of him , and begged to bring him . He is very indifferent on such things and seems intent on his own affairs . Is grave and old for his years , and does n't seem to care much for pleasure and admiration , as most men would after a youth like his , for he has had a hard time , I believe .
For a wonder , he consented to come when Mrs. XXXXX asked him , and I flew off at once to tell you and secure you for tonight . ''
Greek Helene Kent Langdon Lillian London Maud Raleigh Talbot years