"Do you think he will come?"
"I can't tell. He meant to do so, I am sure. But he has his aunt to consider; and she is a friend of Lady Lucas."
"Only he wrote and promised. I don't think he is very fond of his aunt."
"She brought him up. I suppose he owes her some submission."
"But he said the Trevelyans would call."
"I dare say they will drop their cards some day."
"Mother—" and a pause.
Mrs. Lucas put back the short dark hair which clustered round the girl's brow.
"What is your mind so busy about to-day, dear?"
"I'm thinking just now about that old lady—about Lady Lucas—" resentfully. "I'm glad you don't think I need speak of her as 'aunt,' because she doesn't certainly behave like an aunt."