“Pray don’t ask me such questions. But surely Mr Hampton was never at all—”
“Wild, my dear? No, but he was growing too fond of his whist, and I—”
“Yes, Mrs Hampton; you—”
“Well, my dear,” said the old lady, kissing her affectionately, “I played a trump card. There, I’m going for my walk now. Will you come?”
“Not to-day. Mrs Denton here wants to see me.”
“Yes, if you please, Miss Gertrude,” said the old woman, who had tapped at the door and entered.
“Well, I’ll go and get on my things, and if you have done when I’ve dressed, I’ll wait for you. You ought to have your walk.”
“Yes, Denton?” said Gertrude, as soon as they were alone.
“I’ve come to ask you, my dear, if I may speak out.”
“Of course.”