"I am come to you," said Lady Tringle, "on a matter of very particular business." Then she paused, and assumed a look of peculiar solemnity.
"Have you got my letter?" demanded Ayala.
"I got your telegram, and I thought it very civil of Lady Albury. But I cannot stay. Your poor cousin Tom is in such a condition that I cannot leave him longer than I can help."
"But you have not got my letter?"
"I have had no letter from you, Ayala."
"I have sent you such news,—oh, such news, Aunt Emmeline!"
"What news, my dear?" Lady Tringle as she asked the question seemed to become more solemn than ever.
"Oh, Aunt Emmeline—; I am—"
"You are what, Ayala?"
"I am engaged to be married to Colonel Jonathan Stubbs."