Good-bye. I thought Alicia looked
uncommonly cheerful!"
This last remark was delivered as a parting shot as Lady Niton hobbled
to the door. She could not, however, resist pausing to see its effect.
Lady Lucy turned indignantly.
"I don't know what you mean by that remark. Alicia has behaved with
great kindness and tact!"
"I dare say! We're all darlings when we get our way. What does Ferrier
say?"
Lady Lucy hesitated.
"If my old friends cannot see it as I do--if they blame me--I am very
sorry. But it is my responsibility."
"A precious good thing, my dear, for everybody else! But as far as I can
make out, they _are_ engaged?"
"Nothing is settled," said Lady Lucy, hastily; "and I need not say,
Elizabeth, that if you have any affection for us--or any consideration
for Miss Mallory--you will not breathe a word of this most sad business
to anybody."
"Well, for Oliver's sake, if he doesn't intend to behave like a man, I
do certainly hope it may be kept dark!" cried Lady Niton. "For if he
does desert her, under such circumstances, I suppose you know that a
great many people will be inclined to cut him? I shall hold my tongue.
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