"To tell the truth," said Lady Albury, "I think we shall all have to own that Jonathan has been right."
This took place upstairs, but before they left the drawing-room Lady Albury whispered a few words to her young friend. "We have had a terrible trouble about you, Ayala."
"A trouble about me, Lady Albury? I should be so sorry."
"It is not exactly your fault;—but we haven't at all known what to do with that unfortunate man."
"What man?" asked Ayala, forgetful at the moment of all men except Colonel Stubbs.
"You naughty girl! Don't you know that my brother-in-law is broken-hearted about you?"
"Captain Batsby!" whispered Ayala, in her faintest voice.
"Yes; Captain Batsby. A Captain has as much right to be considered as a Colonel in such a matter as this." Here Ayala frowned, but said nothing. "Of course, I can't help it, who may break his heart, but poor Ben is always supposed to be at Stalham just at this time of the year, and now I have been obliged to tell him one fib upon another to keep him away. When he comes to know it all, what on earth will he say to me?"
"I am sure it has not been my fault," said Ayala.
"That's what young ladies always say when gentlemen break their hearts."