Mrs. Bazalgette, who, by many a subtle question and observation during the last week, had satisfied herself of Lucy's innocence, now set to work and laid Uncle Fountain bare.
“I do not speak in a hurry, Lucy; a hint came round to me a fortnight ago that you had an admirer here, and it turns out to be this Mr. Talboys.”
“Mr. Talboys?”
“Yes. Does that surprise you? Do you think a young gentleman would come to Font Abbey three nights in a week without a motive?”
Lucy reflected.
“It is all over the place that you two are engaged.”
Lucy colored, and her eyes flashed with something very like anger, but she held her peace.
“Ask Jane else.”
“What! take my servant into my confidence?”
“Oh, there is a way of setting that sort of people chattering without seeming to take any notice. To tell the truth, I have done it for you. It is all over the village, and all over the house.”