Lady Aberfeldie was full of irrepressible curiosity, but Allan declined to gratify it just then.
'Have your recent movements any reference to Olive?'
'You will learn in time, mother.'
Lady Aberfeldie's face shaded with annoyance, for, only the day before, she and the petulant young lady in question had indulged in a tift between them.
Perceiving a wistful look and fitful manner about Olive, and that she was more than usually restless and irritable, Lady Aberfeldie had unwisely spoken to her on the subject of Allan's regard for her.
Olive had sat for a moment or two, with her delicate hands tightly interlaced in her lap, and then, turning defiantly to her aunt, she said,
'I will never marry Allan!'
'You must marry Allan, my dear girl,' replied Lady Aberfeldie, calmly and firmly.
'Why?'
'You know your father's wish.'