The Countess laughed; a habit with her that did not in the least imply that she was amused.
"I am sure you are wrong, Susannah," she replied languidly. "Lavinia is merely bent on enjoying herself."
"Well, I trust her not; she hath a quick sly way of questioning; the last time I saw her she was trying to discover from me what I knew of Selina Boyle."
"Can you blame her if she is sometimes jealous?" asked the Countess.
Miss Chressham's foot beat the delicate-hued carpet.
"But Rose has not seen Selina save in public since he married, and 'tis understood that it is to be a match between her and Sir Francis," she answered impatiently. "And I know not how she can be jealous of one whom she doth not even pretend a regard for."
"Well, you always thought Rose's marriage a mistake," remarked the elder lady placidly; she could not say she did, there was the money, and she had enjoyed it, was enjoying it, vastly.
Miss Chressham suddenly swerved from the subject.
"Selina and her father are coming to town; they have taken a house in Golden Square for the season. Sir Francis is delighted; I suppose they will be married this year."