"Nothing--nothing, at least, worth anybody's remembering."
"You spoke at Dunscombe last week."
"I did."
"And you went to help Mr. Collins at the Sheffield bye-election."
"I did. I am very much flattered that you know so much about my movements."
"I always know everything that you are doing," said Alicia, quietly--"you, and Cousin Lucy."
"You have the advantage of me then"; his laugh was embarrassed, but not amicable; "for I am afraid I have no idea what you have been doing since Easter!"
"I have been at home, flirting with the Curate," said Alicia, with a laugh. As she sat, with her head thrown back against the chair, the light sparkling on her white skin, on her necklace of yellow topazes, and the jewelled fan in her hands, the folds of blue chiffon billowing round her, there could be no doubt of her effectiveness. Marsham could not help laughing, too.
"Charming for the Curate! Did he propose to you?"
"Certainly. I think we were engaged for twenty-four hours."