"One never can depend on anything from Miss Millington. She told Maggie—and Maggie told me—and Miss Conway."
"Miss Conway heard it?" Major Lenox asked.
I said, "Yes!" and I looked straight at him for a moment. I did not dare to say any more, but I know what I wanted to say. And somehow it almost seemed to me that he read my thoughts. Such a curious softened expression came into his eyes: and his manner was different after that moment.
Nothing more was said by either of us: only next morning he walked in to say good-bye, and in a casual sort of way he spoke about "going north."
The very next thing we heard was that he had seen Miss Con, and that they are engaged. And he has given up all idea of exchanging into a regiment abroad. Oh it is so good!
Thyrza is engaged too,—actually on the same day, and to Sir Keith, of all people.
Mother seems not at all surprised, but it is a great surprise to me. I like Thyrza much better than I used: because she is more affectionate and less stiff; but I should not count her the kind of girl to be fallen in love with easily. And I should never have guessed Sir Keith to be the kind of man either.
However, of course tastes differ, and they ought to know their own minds. I am glad it is not Nellie.
July 29. Thursday.—Just ten days since I sent my last MS. to Mr. Willis.
After so many months of disappointment, one thing after another failing, I could hardly be hopeful. I could only pray and wait,—feeling that most likely I was not to have a book out at all this year. But I have worked hard with this tale, and I did do my very best.