"I had not the least idea what she meant.
"'Where is that?' I asked.
"Lady Agnes laughed aloud.
"'On the hitherto invincible heart of Ulric Studleigh,' she said. 'I should imagine that he has admired more pretty girls than any one ever did before, but you are the first who has made a real impression on him.'
"'Who says I have done so, Agnes?'
"'I say so. He has been sitting by me for half an hour, and all his conversation has been of you. I assure you, Estelle, he is hopelessly in love.'
"'The love of the Studleighs always brings sorrow, my mother says.'
"Lady Agnes laughed again.
"'I am sure your mother will not like him—no mothers do. Mine used to torture me about him before I was married. You would not find a dowager in London who approves of him.'
"'But why?' I persisted.