"Because ... because he was so tall, I believe," replied Agnes, looking considerably more silly than she had ever done in her life.
"And so you watched us walking up and down, did you, Agnes?"
"Yes, once or twice," answered Agnes, again blushing violently.
"And did you hear what we said, my dear?"
"No!... but I am sure it was something very interesting, you seemed to be talking so earnestly."
"It was very interesting ... it was about Frederick.... You knew him too, did not you?"
"Oh yes!... very well."
"Really!... I wonder you never told me so before."
It was impossible to look at Agnes at this moment, as Lady Stephenson now looked at her, without perceiving that there must be some cause for the agitation she evinced. It immediately occurred to her that it was likely enough Frederick might have laid his heart at her feet, or perhaps stopped short before he did so from the effect of that very conversation of which Agnes had been an eye, though not an ear, witness.
"Poor little thing!"... thought Lady Stephenson; "if this be so, and if she has given her young heart in return, how greatly is she to be pitied!"