It seems almost bad taste to speak of it so soon, but we have talked to each other so much, and you are so kind, that I want to tell you myself.

Sir Bruce Norman has been to talk to papa about--about me." Emily felt that her cup filled to the brim at the moment.
"He is in England again ?" Agatha nodded gently.
"He only went away to--well, to test his own feelings before he spoke.
Mamma is delighted with him.

I am going home to-morrow." Emily made a little swoop forward.
"You always liked him ?" she said.
Lady Agatha's delicate mounting colour was adorable.
"I was quite _unhappy_," she owned, and hid her lovely face in her hands.
In the morning-room Lord Walderhurst was talking to Lady Maria.
"You need not give Emily Fox-Seton any more clothes, Maria," he said.

"I am going to supply her in future.

I have asked her to marry me." Lady Maria lightly gasped, and then began to laugh.
"Well, James," she said, "you have certainly much more sense than most men of your rank and age.".