"No!" she cried; "and I cannot understand Selina—she writes from Bristol, and Rose is in London."
"Why, this was a month or so ago, maybe," answered Marius.
"Still, it is rather curious," remarked the Countess. "Rose never spoke of her—and their names coupled! my dear, it would be an impossible match."
Susannah Chressham put her letter into her pocket.
"After all, they met here, Aunt Agatha." She spoke slowly, looking the while at the moonlit park, "And why should Rose mention it? and as for the gossip, people will always gossip about anyone like Rose."
Lady Lyndwood fluttered open a delicate ivory fan.
"Last time it was Mrs. Fanshawe—and one always hears it so indirectly," she complained.
Marius glanced from her to his cousin.
"It seems I have thrown the apple of discord, my lady; I was foolish to repeat it, but I thought you would know!"
Susannah laughed, clearly and suddenly.