‘We sat a good while on a seat in the park, talking,’ was the answer.
‘I hope,’ said Harry, ‘you found your conversation interesting.’
‘Very,’ said Gerald, with a glance at Ethel, who was sitting on an ottoman not far off. She blushed slightly.
‘What did you talk about?’ asked Harry.
‘Oh! various things,’ replied Gerald.
A captious critic would perhaps have remarked that the reply was not strictly accurate, as they had talked of one thing only.
Late that same night, when the party had broken up, Ethel Venniker made her way to her mother’s bedroom.
Lady Venniker was sitting by the fire.
Ethel went up to her and put her arm around her neck and whispered, ‘Mother dear, I have something to tell you.’
Lady Venniker looked up with a sweet smile.