“How is Miss Bultiwell?” she asked, with apparent irrelevance.

“I was going to ask you,” Jacob replied. “I have not seen her since the night I dined at your house.”

“She is still with my aunt, I believe,” Lady Mary continued. “The children adore her.”

“Have you seen her lately?” Jacob asked.

“Last week. Promise you won’t be broken-hearted if I tell you something?”

“I’ll try.”

“I met her in the Park—with whom do you think?”

“No idea.”

“With Maurice. Of course, I didn’t ask any questions, and they might have met accidentally, but I never saw Maurice look such an idiot. I think a man ought to be able to conceal his feelings, don’t you, Mr. Pratt? Should you look an idiot, now, if your fiancée were to discover you with another girl?”

“Such a thing would probably never happen,” Jacob answered. “I am of an extraordinarily faithful disposition.”