"As soon as I see him relenting, I will contrive to throw him in your way—and you can then manage him yourself—but do not attempt to see him till I give you the word."
"I will be guided by you."
Rose was unusually grave and silent. Blanche noticed it, and noticed also that she looked ill.
"I have been unwell," Rose said; "but I am getting better now. A slight fever, that is all."
"And how is Marmaduke Ashley?" asked Blanche.
"Very well; we saw him yesterday; in fact we see him very often now," Mrs. Vyner answered; "somehow or other he has always some commission to execute for one of us, and as he is an agreeable companion, we make much of him."
"And how gets on the flirtation with Violet?"
"Why—pretty much as usual. I suspect it is only a flirtation just yet; or else he is kept at a respectful distance, for you know dear Violet is not the most affable of beauties."
"And Julius, Rose, how is he?"
"Indeed, I cannot tell you," quietly answered Rose.