Her heart misgave her, and the half-formed determination in her mind for a moment melted. It was after all possibly a dangerous, certainly a thankless, task to interfere. She found herself wishing, wishing with all her strength, that she did not know Cecily so well; that she might at least have the excuse that it was not for an outsider to forecast the future. And in the midst of chaotic reflections, she found herself speaking.
“Do you know,” she said, suddenly, “that Philippa Burton is going to marry that young Nevern?”
Mayne started. It was the first time that Philippa’s name had been mentioned between them with significance.
“No,” he said. “Who told you?”
“That queen of gossips, Lady Wilmot, of course.”
“Is she sure?”
“Yes. They’re keeping the engagement secret, but Nevern’s mother discovered it, and went to Lady Wilmot in tears.”
Mayne inquiringly raised his head.
“Oh, merely because he’s the only son, and she’s jealous at the thought of any daughter-in-law, I believe,” returned Mrs. Summers in reply to his look. “Of course,” she added, with a shrug, “it would be interesting to know what hints Lady Wilmot dropped during the interview. She knows nothing actually, but she’s very curious about the situation here.”
Mayne did not speak for a moment. “And—Kingslake?” he asked, presently.