Lady Hunstanton. Well, that is very natural, Caroline, is it not? [To Footman.] Tell Henry to wait for an answer. I have written a line to your dear mother, Gerald, to tell her your good news, and to say she really must come to dinner.
[Exit Footman.]
Gerald. That is awfully kind of you, Lady Hunstanton. [To Hester.] Will you come for a stroll, Miss Worsley?
Hester. With pleasure. [Exit with Gerald.]
Lady Hunstanton. I am very much gratified at Gerald Arbuthnot’s good fortune. He is quite a protégé of mine. And I am particularly pleased that Lord Illingworth should have made the offer of his own accord without my suggesting anything. Nobody likes to be asked favours. I remember poor Charlotte Pagden making herself quite unpopular one season, because she had a French governess she wanted to recommend to every one.
Lady Caroline. I saw the governess, Jane. Lady Pagden sent her to me. It was before Eleanor came out. She was far too good-looking to be in any respectable household. I don’t wonder Lady Pagden was so anxious to get rid of her.
Lady Hunstanton. Ah, that explains it.
Lady Caroline. John, the grass is too damp for you. You had better go and put on your overshoes at once.
Sir John. I am quite comfortable, Caroline, I assure you.
Lady Caroline. You must allow me to be the best judge of that, John. Pray do as I tell you.