“What a coward!” said Belle to herself. “He does not even dare to tell me the truth.”
Nearly an hour later she arrived at the Castle, and, asking for Ida, was shown into the drawing-room, where she found her sitting with a book in her hand.
Ida rose to greet her in friendly fashion, for the two women, although they were at the opposite poles of character, had a liking for each other. In a way they were both strong, and strength always recognises and respects strength.
“Have you walked up?” asked Ida.
“Yes, I came on the chance of finding you. I want to speak to you.”
“Yes,” said Ida, “what is it?”
“This. Forgive me, but are you engaged to be married to Edward Cossey?”
Ida looked at her in a slow, stately way, which seemed to ask by what right she came to question her. At least, so Belle read it.
“I know that I have no right to ask such a question,” she said, with humility, “and, of course, you need not answer it, but I have a reason for asking.”
“Well,” said Ida, “I was requested by Mr. Cossey to keep the matter secret, but he appears to have divulged it. Yes, I am engaged to be married to him.”