"A visitor, aunt," she said, and managed to hide her knowledge admirably.
"Yes, Alice a visitor.

I should have told you before, only I thought,--I thought I had better not.

It is Mr--Mr Grey." "Indeed, aunt! Is he coming to see you ?" "Well;--he is desirous no doubt of seeing you more especially; but he has expressed a wish to make my acquaintance, which I cannot, under the circumstances, think is unnatural.

Of course, Alice, he must want to talk over this affair with your friends." "I wish I could have spared them," said Alice,--"I wish I could." "I have brought his letter here, and you can see it if you please.
It is very nicely written, and as far as I am concerned I should not think of refusing to see him.

And now comes the question.