It was now for Mrs. Barton to look embarrassed.
'Well, really, I don't know; nothing is arranged—I never thought about
the matter. What could have made you think she was going to marry
Captain Hibbert? In my opinion they aren't at all suited to each other.
Why do you ask me?'
'Because I have heard you speak of Lord Kilcarney as a man you would like Olive to marry, and, if this be so, I thought I had better tell you about Captain Hibbert. I think she is very much in love with him.'
'Oh! nonsense; it is only to kill time. A girl must amuse herself somehow.'
It was on Alice's lips to ask her mother if she thought such conduct quite right, but, checking herself, she said:
'I am afraid people are talking about it, and that surely is not desirable.'
'But why do you come telling me these stories?' she said.
'Why, mamma, because I thought it right to do so.'
The word 'right' was unpleasant; but, recovering her temper, which for years before had never failed her, Mrs. Barton returned to her sweet little flattering manners.
'Of course, of course, my dear girl; but you do not understand me. What I mean to say is, Have you any definite reason for supposing that Olive is in love with Captain Hibbert, and that people are talking about it?'