‘I think you knew Mr. Keene a long time ago?’
‘Yes, a long time. He once asked me to marry him.’
Adela replied only with a look.
‘And he’s asked me again this morning,’ Alice pursued, breaking off a leaf from an elder bush.
‘And you—?’
‘I didn’t refuse him this time,’ Alice replied with confidence.
‘I am very glad, very glad. He has been faithful to you so long that I am sure he will make you happy.’
Alice no longer concealed her joy. It was almost exultation. Natural enough under the circumstances, poor, disinherited Princess! Once more she felt able to face people; once more she would have a name. She began to talk eagerly.
‘Of course I shall just go back to tell mother, but we are going to be married in three weeks. He has already decided upon a house; we went to see it this morning. I didn’t like to tell you, but I met him for the first time a week ago—quite by chance.’
‘I’m afraid your mother will be lonely,’ Adela said.