“But, Freddy, we agreed that only your family should be told we were engaged! Surely you cannot have spread the news!”
“I should rather think I haven’t! Now, for the lord’s sake, Kit, don’t be missish! You don’t suppose we could tell rn’mother and Meg without its leaking out! Besides, Jasper knows too: no use denying it when he’d asked Meg already. Sisters!” said Freddy, in a voice of loathing. He added, after a moment’s reflection: “That cousin of yours knows, too.”
“CamiUe? No, indeed, he does not! I have not said a word to him about it, I promise you, Freddy!”
“Told him myself,” said Freddy.
She fixed her eyes on his face. “But why!”
“Thought it would be a good thing to do,” replied Freddy vaguely.
“I can’t conceive why you should have done so!”
“Oh, well! Cousin of yours!” said Freddy, his attention on his quizzing-glass, which he was polishing with his handkerchief.
“To be sure, yes! I do not object to his knowing, if he will not spread it about, for I have a particular kindness for him. He is a delightful man, don’t you think, Freddy?”
“Very pleasant fellow,” agreed Freddy.