"From India!" cried Olive and Tui in one breath; and their thoughts centred at once on Angus Carson.
"Oh, that is only a theory of the newspaper!" said Mallow, hastily. "Can't you find a pleasanter subject to talk about, Aldean?"
"Yes," replied Aldean, looking meaningly at Tui. "Only----"
"Only I am wasting my time, and you are helping me to do so," cried that young lady, briskly. "I must tie up my roses."
"Let me help you."
"I am afraid your help would be a hindrance," said Miss Ostergaard, as she moved towards the house, followed by her huge admirer. "However, if you are very, very good, you may hold the ball of string."
Left alone with Mallow, Olive felt in so dangerous a position that she assumed a demeanour even more reserved.
"So Mr. Carson has arrived in England," remarked the young man, gloomily.
"Yes; who told you so?"
"Mr. Dimbal, the lawyer. Of course, it is an open secret that you are to marry him."