“You must let me enjoy the privileges of a friend,” she replied. “If you will let me tell you, I think it would be a solace to me. For although Lady Quaintree is so good and so kind, yet——”
She paused; for it would be impossible to enter into any of the feelings which barred a perfect confidence between herself and her late mistress. But Miss Dormer partially comprehended, and pressed her hands warmly in token of sympathy and encouragement.
“No doubt you will wonder, knowing that my acquaintanceship with him is of so recent a date—no doubt you will marvel to hear that I am half-engaged to marry Captain Desfrayne,” began Lois.
“My dear!” was all Blanche could say, opening her eyes as wide as they could expand.
“Yes. I can scarcely believe the story is real.”
Lois repeated to her the history of Mr. Vere Gardiner’s will. Blanche listened in silent amazement.
“How extraordinary! Then, why—why——”
“Pray be as frank with me as I have been with you,” Lois entreated.
“Why does he behave in such an odd way toward you? Does the proposition, or whatever you may call it, displease him?”
“I have had no explanation from him, nor is one likely to take place. I am as ignorant as you are of his opinion on the matter.”