"Dearest auntie, forgive my rudeness! I know you did not mean to be unkind! But you do not understand—I love him."
"I always said you'd take it badly," nodded Miss Betty gloomily.
"Take what badly?"
"Love. And no man is worth one tear-drop, sweet."
The confident, tender little laugh that answered this statement made her look at her suddenly changed niece in surprise.
"You don't know," said Diana. Her eyes were soft and luminous. "You just do not know."
Before Miss Betty could think of a suitable retort, a knock fell on the door. It was opened, and Thomas was found to be without.
"My Lady O'Hara is below, madam."
For an instant the two ladies stared at one another. Then:
"La and drat!" said Miss Betty. "With the drawing-room in a muddle after cleaning!"