CHAPTER XXVI.
Grace happened to have a headache next morning, and did not come down to breakfast: but it was Saturday, and Mr.Carden always lunched at home on that day.

So did Grace, because it was one of Little's days.

This gave Mr.Carden the opportunity he wanted.

When they were alone he fixed his eyes on his daughter, and said quietly, "What is your opinion of--a jilt ?" "A heartless, abominable creature," replied Grace, as glibly as if she was repeating some familiar catechism.
"Would you like to be called one ?" "Oh, papa!" "Is there nobody who has the right to apply the term to you ?" "I hope not." (Red.) "You encouraged Mr.Coventry's addresses ?" "I am afraid I did not discourage them, as I wish I had.

It is so hard to foresee every thing." "Pray do you remember the fifth day of last December ?" "Can I ever forget it ?" (Redder.) "Is it true that Mr.Coventry proposed for you, that day ?" "Yes." "And you accepted him." "No; no.