"Ah!" she
said, "I thought Alicia would see the last of them!"
For Miss Drake, in defiance of wind and spitting rain, was walking over
the lawn the centre of a large group, with Marsham beside her. Her white
serge dress and the blue shawl she had thrown over her fair head made a
brilliant spot in the dark wavering line.
"Alicia is very picturesque," said Mrs. Fotheringham, turning away.
"Yes--and last summer Oliver seemed to be well aware of it," said Lady
Niton, in her ear.
"Was he? He has always been very good friends with Alicia."
"He could have done without the waistcoat," said Lady Niton, sharply.
"Aren't you rather unkind? She began it last summer, and finished it
yesterday. Then, of course, she presented it to him. I don't see why
that should expose her to remarks."
"One can't help making remarks about Alicia," said Lady Niton, calmly,
"and she can defend herself so well."
"Poor Alicia!"
"Confess you wouldn't like Oliver to marry her."
"Oliver never had any thought of it."
Lady Niton shook her queer gray head.
"Oliver paid her a good deal of attention last summer. Alicia must
certainly have considered the matter.
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