‘I never mean to be in love,’ said Charlotte indignantly. Eveleen laughed the more, Charlotte grew more angry and uncomfortable at the tone of the conversation, and was heartily glad that it was broken off by the entrance of the gentlemen. Guy helped Charles to the sofa, and then turned away to continue his endless talk on Redclyffe business with Markham. Charlotte flew up to the sofa, seized an interval when no one was in hearing, and kneeling down to bring her face on a level with her brother’s whispered—‘Charlie, Eva won’t believe but that Guy and Amy kept up some intercourse last winter.’
‘I can’t help it, Charlotte.’
‘When I tell her they did not, she only laughs at me. Do tell her they did not.’
‘I have too much self-respect to lay myself open to ridicule.’
‘Charlie, you don’t think it possible yourself?’ exclaimed Charlotte, in consternation.
‘Possible—no indeed.’
‘She will say it is not wrong, and that I know nothing of lovers.’
‘You should have told her that ours are not commonplace lovers, but far beyond her small experience.’
‘I wish I had! Tell her so, Charlie; she will believe you.’
‘I sha’n’t say one word about it.’