"Confide!" repeated Patricia in a matter-of-fact tone. "Confide what, Mrs. Bonsor?"
"Your engagement to Lord Peter Bowen. Such a surprise. You're a very lucky girl. I hope you'll bring Lord Peter to call."
Patricia listened mechanically to Mrs. Bonsor's inanities. Suddenly she realised their import. What had happened? How did she know? Had Mr. Triggs told her?
"How did you know?" Patricia enquired.
"Haven't you seen The Morning Post?" enquired Mrs. Bonsor.
"The Morning Post!" repeated Patricia, in consternation; "but—but I don't understand."
"Then isn't it true?" enquired Mrs. Bonsor, scenting a mystery.
"I—I——" began Patricia, then with inspiration added, "I must be getting on, I've got a lot to do to make up for yesterday."
"But isn't it true, Miss Brent?" persisted Mrs. Bonsor.
Then from half-way up the stairs Patricia turned and, in a spurt of mischief, cried, "If you see it in The Morning Post it is so, Mrs. Bonsor."