"I shall not see you again unless you come down to us; which, I suppose, you won't," she said. "We go to Eastbourne on Friday; and afterwards to Homburg. Mama is going to write and invite you in due form."
"It is very kind of Mrs. Devonshire. Lucy and I cannot possibly leave home, but Phyllis would like to go," answered Gertrude; a remark of which Phyllis herself took no notice.
"Well then, good-bye. Lucy, Fred sends his congratulations. Phyllis, my dear, we shall meet ere long. Fanny, I shall look out for your wedding in the paper. Come on, Gerty, and let a fellow out!"
On the other side of the door her manner changed suddenly.
"Do come home and dine, Gerty."
"I can't, Con, possibly."
"Gerty, of course I can guess about Fred. I knew it was no good, but I can't help being sorry."
"It was out of the question, poor boy."
"Oh, don't pity him too much. He'll get over it soon enough. His is not a complaint that lasts."
There was a significant emphasis on the last words, that did not escape Gertrude.