"Do you really mean that?" interrupted Alice, opening her eyes very wide.
"Of course! Why shouldn't I mean what I say?"
"How rapacious you are, Amy."
"What a nasty word when I'm only sensible. What is the use of men if they don't give us things?"
"Douglas will give you all you want, dear. After all, you brought us together."
This diplomatic remark cleared the air and banished the frown from Mrs. Barrast's small-featured face. "Of course I did. I saw that you two were meant for each other the moment you set eyes on one another. I advised you to get back your aunt's money by marriage, didn't I?"
"You certainly did," admitted Miss Enistor dryly, not thinking it necessary to explain that she loved Montrose for himself alone. "What you said has come true, Amy. Douglas desires to make me his wife, if my father consents."
"Oh, bother your father," cried Mrs. Barrast vigorously. "What does his consent matter when you have hooked a rich man?"
"Don't be vulgar, Amy!" said Alice, wincing.
"And don't be romantic. You can't deceive me. Mr. Montrose is rich."