“Oh, I did not observe.”
After a while she said, “Don’t you think, Hope, you could make up your mind to go to Mrs. Kingfisher’s ball next week? You know you haven’t been out at all.”
“Perhaps,” replied Hope, doubtfully.
“Just as you please, dear. I think it is quite as well to stay away if you want to. Your retirement is very natural, and proper, and beautiful, under the circumstances, although it is unusual. Of course I don’t fully understand. But I have perfect confidence in the justice of your reasons.”
Mrs. Dinks looked at Hope tenderly and sagaciously as she said this, and smiled meaningly.
Hope was entirely bewildered. Then a sudden apprehension shot through her mind as she thought of what her aunt had said. She asked suddenly and a little proudly,
“What do you mean by ‘circumstances,’ aunt?”
Mrs. Dinks was uneasy in her turn. But she pushed bravely on, and said kindly,
“Why on earth shouldn’t I know why you are unwilling to have it known, Hope? You know I am as still as the grave.”
“Have what known, aunt?” asked Hope.