“I have only one parent—my mother. My father was lost at sea, before I was born, and left no property and no will, because his ship went down, with everything on board. My mother has some property, and so has Aunt Sukey, and they take care of me,” said Rosemary; and that was all she said at the time.
The earl looked at her curiously.
Was the child purposely evading his question?
No; the grave little face was too true for that thought.
“Does your mother or your aunt know of your relations with young—young——”
“Roland Bayard?”
“Yes.”
“Why, I think every one in our neighborhood must know all about it! Because we all know all about our neighbors, and some say that they know more of us than we do of ourselves, and that we know more of them than they do of themselves.”
“I think that quite likely. But, do your friends approve of your engagement?”
“Not now; but they will when Roland comes into his rights.”