“That is a great deal more likely than the other. And the difficulties in her case would not be so great.”
“And pray why, Aunt Emma?”
“Because, my dear, I should not resent it as your father would. I am not so ambitious for her as he is for you.”
“A fine settlement for her—Robert Grame and his hundred——”
“Who is taking my name in vain?” cried a pleasant voice from the open window; and Robert Grame entered.
“I was,” said Eliza readily; her tone changing like magic to sweet suavity, her face putting on its best charm. “About to remark that the Reverend Robert Grame has a hundred faults. Aunt Emma agrees with me.”
He laughed lightly, regarding it as pleasantry, and inquired for Hubert.
Eliza stepped out on the terrace when tea was over, talking to Mr. Grame; they began to pace it slowly together. Kate and her ball sported on the gravel walk beneath. It was a warm, serene evening, the silver moon shining, the evening star just appearing in the clear blue sky.
“Lucy being away, you cannot enjoy your usual flirtation with her,” remarked Miss Monk, in a light tone.