For rumor, in Mr. Lyle's and Miss Lytton's case also, had anticipated the facts, and had reported their betrothal all over the country long before it was announced to their nearest friends.
Alden Lytton, with all his approving heart, wished his sister joy in her prospective union with the worthy young clergyman.
And then the two, talking together over their future, decided that they must write at once to their Uncle John Lytton and inform him of their engagements.
Alden undertook to write a letter on the part of both his sister and himself that night.
And, on further discussion, it was decided that at the close of her visit to Blue Cliff Hall, Laura should go to Lytton Lodge to make a visit to her relatives there.
The entrance of Emma Cavendish put an end to the discussion, and was the occasion of new congratulations.
The next morning Madam Cavendish sent for Alden Lytton and Emma Cavendish to come up to her room together.
And she then and there read them a grave and affectionate little lecture upon the duties and responsibilities of an engaged couple, gave them her blessing and dismissed them to go to church.
That Sunday morning every one at Blue Cliffs knew of the betrothal of Mr. Lytton to the young mistress of the Hall.
And on Monday morning all the county knew it just as well as they had known it a month before it happened.