CHAPTER XXVI. — "JACK."
The first person they saw, when they reached the lawn, was Mr. Dugald Binnie, who had deigned to present himself, and was talking to Mr. Burmistone, Lucia, and Miss Belinda.
"I'll go to them," said Octavia. "Aunt Belinda will wonder where I have been."
But, before they reached the group, they were intercepted by Lord Lansdowne; and Barold had the pleasure of surrendering his charge, and watching her, with some rather sharp pangs, as she was borne off to the conservatories.
"What is the matter with Mr. Barold?" exclaimed Miss Pilcher. "Pray look at him."
"He has been talking to Miss Octavia Bassett, in one of the arbors," put in Miss Lydia Burnham. "Emily and I passed them a few minutes ago, and they were so absorbed that they did not see us. There is no knowing what has happened."
"Lydia!" exclaimed Mrs. Burnham, in stern reproof of such flippancy.
But, the next moment, she exchanged a glance with Miss Pilcher.