"
"I did."
"And you went to help Mr. Collins at the Sheffield bye-election."
"I did. I am very much flattered that you know so much about my
movements."
"I always know everything that you are doing," said Alicia,
quietly--"you, and Cousin Lucy."
"You have the advantage of me then"; his laugh was embarrassed, but not
amicable; "for I am afraid I have no idea what you have been doing
since Easter!"
"I have been at home, flirting with the Curate," said Alicia, with a
laugh. As she sat, with her head thrown back against the chair, the
light sparkling on her white skin, on her necklace of yellow topazes,
and the jewelled fan in her hands, the folds of blue chiffon billowing
round her, there could be no doubt of her effectiveness. Marsham could
not help laughing, too.
"Charming for the Curate! Did he propose to you?"
"Certainly. I think we were engaged for twenty-four hours."
"That you might see what it was like? _Et apres?_"
"He was afraid he had mistaken my character"
Marsham laughed out.
"Poor victim! May I ask what you did it for?"
He found himself looking at her with curiosity and a certain anger. To
be engaged, even for twenty-four hours, means that you allow your
betrothed the privileges of betrothal.
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