But she was met in a manner she had not expected. Mrs. Nesbit beckoned her to her side, laid her hand on hers, and peered up in her face with witch-like eyes, that disconcerted her usually ready speech, and called up a blush.
‘I see,’ said Mrs. Nesbit. ‘I do not blame you for the fault of your father and brother. I knew how it would be.’
‘Has mamma told you?’ said Theodora. ‘Papa promised that I should be the first to tell!’
‘Your mamma does not know what will mortify her so extremely.’
‘Then how have you heard it?’
‘I have seen it. I knew what you had to tell from the instant you entered. And your father has given you his consent?’ raising her hand, as if to say, ‘I give up all hopes of him.’
‘Yes, he highly approves.’
Here Lady Martindale came into the room.
‘You need not be vexed, my dear,’ began Mrs. Nesbit. ‘It will not be made public, and there will be no harm done.’
‘What will not, dear aunt? you alarm me.’