“Well done, Rosie,” said Arthur. “But from some manoeuvring I observed last night, I was led to believe that Mrs Grove had other views for the gentleman.”
“So she had,” said Fanny, eagerly. “And she says Rose may spoil all if she divides his attention. It is just what a man of his years is likely to do, mamma says, to fall in love with a young girl like Rosie, and Graeme is so much more suitable. But I told mamma Graeme would never have him.”
“Allow me to say, Fanny, that I think you might find some more suitable subject for discussion with Mrs Grove,” said Rose, indignantly. Arthur laughed.
“You ought to be very thankful for the kind interest taken in your welfare, and for Graeme’s, too. I am sure Mr Green would be highly flattered if he could be aware of the sensation he is creating among us.”
“Mr Green admires Graeme very much, he told mamma; and mamma says he would have proposed to her, when he was here before, if it had not been for Mr Ruthven. You know he was very intimate here then, and everybody said he and Graeme were engaged. Mamma says it was a great pity he did not. It would have prevented the remarks of ill-natured people when Mr Ruthven was married—about Graeme, I mean.”
“It is be hoped no one will be ill-natured enough to repeat anything of that sort in Graeme’s hearing,” said Arthur, very much annoyed.
“Oh! don’t be alarmed. Graeme is too well accustomed by this time, to Mrs Grove’s impertinences, to allow anything she says to trouble her,” said Rose, with flashing eyes.
Mrs Snow’s hand was laid softly on that of the young girl, who had risen in her indignation.
“Sit down, my dear,” she whispered.
“Nonsense, Rosie,” said her brother; “there is nothing to be vexed about. How can you be so foolish?”