'Well, he seemed to regret it—he seemed to think it was a pity. Living alone as you do, it certainly is not the right thing for you to be seen anywhere without Miss Yeo.'
Hyacinth became crimson. 'On what grounds did Mr Ottley find fault with anything I do?'
'Merely general grounds, my dear. A very proper dislike to the flighty behaviour of the girls of the present day. As he tells me, he feels it as a father—'
'Father! He has only a little boy of two. I think it's very impertinent of him to talk of me like that at all.'
'On the contrary, I thought it exceedingly nice of him. He sincerely wishes you well, Hyacinth. Oh, how well that young man wishes you! Make no mistake about it. By the way, I promised him not to mention his name in the matter. So of course you won't repeat it. But I was really rather upset at what he said. I haven't said anything to Sir Charles yet, as I thought you might give me some explanation.'
'I have no explanation to give. I suppose you know who it is I was walking with?'
'I gathered that it was a Mr Reeve. Now, Hyacinth dear, you know how much I wish you well; if you're engaged, I think your guardian and I ought to know it, and in any case you should be more discreet in your behaviour.'
Hyacinth's eyes flashed.
'Are you engaged?' asked Lady Cannon.
'I must decline to answer. I recognise no right that you or anyone else has to ask me such a question.'