‘A compliment from you!’
‘Indeed, no compliment, dearest Miss Grandison,’ said Lord Montfort, drawing near her. ‘Favoured as Miss Temple is in so many respects, in none, in my opinion, is she more fortunate than in the possession of so admirable a friend.’
‘Not even in the possession of so admirable a lover, my lord?’
‘All must love Miss Temple who are acquainted with her,’ said Lord Montfort, seriously.
‘Indeed, I think so,’ said Katherine, in a more subdued voice. ‘I love her; her career fills me with a strange and singular interest. May she be happy, for happiness she indeed deserves!’
‘I have no fonder wish than to secure that happiness, Miss Grandison,’ said Lord Montfort; ‘by any means,’ he added.
‘She is so interesting!’ said Katherine. ‘When you first knew her she was very ill?’
‘Very.’
‘She seems quite recovered.’
‘I hope so.’