And Valentine frowned suddenly.
Polly’s strong will seemed to come up against his at every turn. Plan as he might for her, his plans were always upset by her in some way or other.
“I believe Miss Pennington cares enough about her mother to submit her own feelings to those of this mother,” he said, stiffly.
“Speaking extravagantly in a sense, and yet with truth, I believe Mary Pennington would die for her mother. Her love is no thing of threads and patches,” Grace said to this.
She spoke with a warmth that was akin to affection, and Valentine felt his heart thrill at her voice and words. Almost he had put his secret into Grace’s hands, but at this very moment Sacha interrupted them by entering the room.
“Lady Wentworth has sent for you, Valentine,” he said, carelessly; then he laughed. “She keeps you busy, old chap, doesn’t she?”
But Valentine was hastening from the room, and as he went, Sacha looked at his sister.
“Grace, you must be prepared for a result to all of this.”
“All of this what, Sacha?”
“This close contact with a clever woman, an arch coquette, a woman with strong ambition.”