Mary was astounded at this question, and hesitated in her reply. "What answer ought you to make her?" she said.
"Yes, Mary. What answer do you think I ought to give? I wish to ask you the question, as you are the person the most concerned."
Mary considered for a while, and then did give her opinion on the matter in a firm voice. "I think you should tell Beatrice, that as you cannot at present receive me cordially in your house, it will be better that you should not be called on to receive me at all."
This was certainly not the sort of answer that Lady Arabella expected, and she was now somewhat astounded in her turn. "But, Mary," she said, "I should be delighted to receive you cordially if I could do so."
"But it seems you cannot, Lady Arabella; and so there must be an end of it."
"Oh, but I do not know that:" and she smiled her sweetest smile. "I do not know that. I want to put an end to all this ill-feeling if I can. It all depends upon one thing, you know."
"Does it, Lady Arabella?"
"Yes, upon one thing. You won't be angry if I ask you another question—eh, Mary?"
"No; at least I don't think I will."
"Is there any truth in what we hear about your being engaged to Frank?"