"Perhaps not;—that is, I really can't say. I don't think Mr. Burton has ever expressed any such opinion; and if he had—"
"If he had, you wouldn't mention it."
"I don't suppose I should, Lady Ongar;—not to a stranger."
"Harry Clavering and I are not strangers," said Lady Ongar, changing the tone of her voice altogether as she spoke.
"No; I know that. You have known him longer than we have. I am aware of that."
"Yes; before he ever dreamed of going into your husband's business, Mrs. Burton; long before he had ever been to—Stratton."
The name of Stratton was an assistance to Cecilia, and seemed to have been spoken with the view of enabling her to commence her work. "Yes," she said, "but nevertheless he did go to Stratton. He went to Stratton, and there he became acquainted with my sister-in-law, Florence Burton."
"I am aware of it, Mrs. Burton."
"And he also became engaged to her."
"I am aware of that too. He has told me as much himself."