So up went Wilmet, not rejoicing in her room-mate, whom she found, as usual, all injured innocence and self-justification.
'You have been petting Cherry all this time! She is quite spoilt among you! It is quite true what I said, though she didn't like it. In society, I never saw a more arrant flirt, with her pathetic ill-used airs. Why, Ferdinand actually found fault to-day with my manner to her!'
Save for the effects, Wilmet was glad to hear it. 'Well, Alda, it is not always kind.'
'I only don't fuss and coax her; I see through her better than you do. She is the sharp one. As I told Ferdinand, it is I who have reason to complain of his manner to her, only I know it is not his fault. If there were no other objection to this preposterous scheme of Felix's, she would be a reason against it.'
'For shame, Alda! You don't consider what you are saying of your sister.'
'I do!' said Alda. 'I have been more in the world than you, Wilmet, and I know what comes of sticking oneself down close to one's family, especially when there is that sort of spoilt invalid, backed up in all kinds of unreasonable expectations. I advise you to take care, Wilmet; you don't know what goes on in your absence. I should not wonder if it never came to an engagement after all.'
At that moment Felix's step and knock were at the door. Wilmet went to it, and both her hands were clasped in her brother's. 'My Wilmet, my dear, this is well!'
Then Alda turned from her glass and understood. 'What? He has spoken? O Wilmet, and you never told me!'
'I had not time.'
'And what a splendid ring! but it is not a proper engaged-ring. You can't wear it.'