'Perhaps it is just as well she has disappeared again. I did not know that was the girl all the talk was about. Well, are you not tired of this quiet life yet?'
'Oh no; I like it very much. But when will you allow the girls to come down, Mrs. Fordyce? I think it is too bad that they have never yet paid me a proper visit at Bourhill.'
'They are talking of London again—wheedling their poor dear papa, as they do every May. I think you must go with us again, my dear.'
'Yes, I should like that,' replied Gladys, with brightening face; and Mrs. Fordyce perceived that she had sustained a very severe disappointment, which had made her for the time being a trifle discontented with her own fair lot.
She took an early opportunity, when Gladys conducted her to the guest-chamber, to put another question to her.
'Gladys, how long is it since George was here?'
'I have never seen him since that night in your house, when he didn't come up to the drawing-room,' answered Gladys calmly.
'But he has written, I suppose?'
'No; nor have I.'
'My dear girl, this is very serious,' said Mrs. Fordyce gravely. 'What was the difference about? You will tell me, my dear? I have your best interests at heart, but I cannot help thinking it is rather soon to disagree.'