“I am sure I am very much obliged to you, Lady Lufton.”
“Not at all, my dear. I don’t know where he could get so nice a partner.” And then she paused a moment, not feeling how far she might go. In the meantime Griselda sat still, staring at the hot coals. “Indeed, I know that he admires you very much,” continued Lady Lufton.
“Oh! no, I am sure he doesn’t,” said Griselda; and then there was another pause.
“I can only say this,” said Lady Lufton, “that if he does do so—and I believe he does—it would give me very great pleasure. For you know, my dear, that I am very fond of you myself.”
“Oh! thank you,” said Griselda, and stared at the coals more perseveringly than before.
“He is a young man of a most excellent disposition—though he is my own son, I will say that—and if there should be anything between you and him—”
“There isn’t, indeed, Lady Lufton.”
“But if there ever should be, I should be delighted to think that Ludovic had made so good a choice.”
“But there will never be anything of the sort, I’m sure, Lady Lufton. He is not thinking of such a thing in the least.”
“Well, perhaps he may, some day. And now, good-night, my dear.”