Alicia replied that it had been, indeed, unusually difficult of late to
persuade Lady Lucy to eat.
"The less you eat the less you may eat," said Lady Niton, with vigor.
"The stomach contracts unless you give it something to do. That's what's
the matter with Lucy, my dear--though, of course, I never dare name the
organ. But I suppose she's been worrying herself about something?"
"I am afraid she has."
"Is Oliver engaged?" asked Lady Niton, suddenly, observing the young
lady.
Alicia replied demurely that that question had perhaps better be
addressed to Lady Lucy.
"What's the matter? Can't the young people make up their minds? Do they
want Lucy to make them up for them?"
Alicia looked at her companion a little under her brows, and did not
reply. Lady Niton was so piqued by the girl's expression that she
immediately threw herself on the mystery she divined--tearing and
scratching at it, like a dog in a rabbit-hole. And very soon she had
dragged it to the light. Miss Drake merely remarked that it was very
sad, but it appeared that Miss Mallory was not really a Mallory at all,
but the daughter of a certain Mrs. Sparling--Juliet Sparling, who--"
"Juliet Sparling!" cried Lady Niton, her queer small eyes starting in
their sockets.
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