“Ah yes; of course. You were very friendly with both my brothers, I believe, so it is curious they never told you of their love for Rose Silverton.”
“Well—I heard something about it,” said the Rector, with a hesitating glance at Maurice.
“Oh, my dear Rector, I am going to say nothing against my sister-in-law. She was a very charming woman.”
“She was all that was good and pure,” remarked Maurice abruptly; annoyed, he knew not why, at the tone adopted by Mrs. Dengelton in speaking of his dead mother.
“Yes, I know she was. Still, my dear Maurice, you must pardon my plain speech, but she did flirt terribly with Rudolph.”
“My lost uncle? Ridiculous!”
“It is not ridiculous at all,” said the lady, drawing herself up; “it was on your mother’s account Rudolph left England.”
“Who said so?” demanded Maurice indignantly.
“Every one; even your father.”
Maurice was about to make some remark, when he caught sight of a warning look on Carriston’s face, therefore held his peace.