"He has not got my money," said Miss Enistor tartly, "and even if he had I certainly should not marry him for his wealth."
"I daresay: you are such a funny girl. Not at all like a human being. It's silly not to eat a pear that has fallen into your mouth."
"Mr. Montrose being the pear?"
"Of course. He is head over ears in love with you already. I'm not his style evidently. Not that I care," ended Mrs. Barrast, caring very much indeed. "Go in and win, Alice, and let me design the bridesmaids' dresses. Pink silk and white——"
Mrs. Barrast's chatter about chiffons was put a stop to by the entrance of the gentlemen. As if it had been arranged, Dr. Eberstein walked over to Mrs. Barrast and engaged her in conversation. Montrose hesitated, then came to the corner wherein Alice was seated. He looked extremely handsome and attractive; she was more than ever taken with his appearance. Smiling amiably, she made room for him to sit down beside her on the ottoman, but waited for him to begin the conversation. He did so with an abruptness which startled her.
"I hope you are not my enemy," said the young man earnestly.
Alice raised her eyebrows. "Why should I be?"
"Well, you see Lady Staunton left me her money!"
"Why not, Mr. Montrose? It was her own money!"
"Yes. But do you think it was right that she should leave it away from her relations?"