"Somebody will talk Mary over."
"If so, the thing is over. It all depends on her." Then he went on to tell his friend that he had spoken of his engagement to Lady Mabel. "I have mentioned it to no soul but to your father and to her."
"Why to her?"
"Because we were friends together as children. I never had a sister, but she has been more like a sister to me than any one else. Do you object to her knowing it?"
"Not particularly. It seems to me now that everybody knows everything. There are no longer any secrets."
"But she is a special friend."
"Of yours," said Silverbridge.
"And of yours," said Tregear.
"Well, yes;—in a sort of way. She is the jolliest girl I know."
"Take her all round, for beauty, intellect, good sense, and fun at the same time, I don't know any one equal to her."