‘I believe he convinced her,’ said Violet, wishing the next moment to recall her words.
‘Indeed! I am curious.’
‘I believe he thinks it better—fashionable life—’ faltered Violet.
‘He might have made an exception in favour of such near connections! Why, we shall be related ourselves, Mrs. Martindale. How charmed I shall be.’
Violet turned a bracelet on her arm, and could make no response.
‘It is strange enough that we have never met Percival Fotheringham,’ said Miss Gardner. ‘He is an eccentric being, I hear, but our dear Theodora has a spice of eccentricity herself. I hope it will be for the best.’
‘He is an admirable person,’ said Violet.
‘I rejoice to hear it. I had some doubts. The dear girl is so generous, of such peculiar decision, so likely to be dazzled by talent, and so warmly attached to her eldest brother, that I almost feared it might not have been well weighed. But you are satisfied?’
‘O, yes, entirely so.’
‘I am relieved to hear it. In confidence I may tell YOU, it is said in our OWN family, that there is a rough overbearing temper about him. I could not bear to think of dear Theodora’s high spirit being subjected to anything of that kind.’