Elizabeth Niton shook her head.
"There's only your Maker could do that, Lucy. And He must be pretty puzzled to account for you sometimes. Good-bye. I thought Alicia looked uncommonly cheerful!"
This last remark was delivered as a parting shot as Lady Niton hobbled to the door. She could not, however, resist pausing to see its effect. Lady Lucy turned indignantly.
"I don't know what you mean by that remark. Alicia has behaved with great kindness and tact!"
"I dare say! We're all darlings when we get our way. What does Ferrier say?"
Lady Lucy hesitated.
"If my old friends cannot see it as I do--if they blame me--I am very sorry. But it is my responsibility."
"A precious good thing, my dear, for everybody else! But as far as I can make out, they are engaged?"
"Nothing is settled," said Lady Lucy, hastily; "and I need not say, Elizabeth, that if you have any affection for us--or any consideration for Miss Mallory--you will not breathe a word of this most sad business to anybody."
"Well, for Oliver's sake, if he doesn't intend to behave like a man, I do certainly hope it may be kept dark!" cried Lady Niton. "For if he does desert her, under such circumstances, I suppose you know that a great many people will be inclined to cut him? I shall hold my tongue. But, of course, it will come out."